Can you remember the first sport you played? How old were you? Do you still lead an active lifestyle? Personally, I started playing soccer when I was 8 years old. I think from starting from such a young age, playing soccer gave me a head start and solid foundation to be able to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. In my opinion, starting sports early on in life is important.
Sports help children develop physical skills, make friends, learn teamwork, and improve self-esteem. The obvious reason sports would benefit a young child is for physical fitness. Kids who play sports maintain a lower body fat, build strong muscles, and have great cardiovascular health. As long as I can remember, I was always chunky and a bit overweight for my age. My mother and brother used to make fun of me all the time and call me names, call me fat. I didn’t wear shorts until I was 16 because kids would call me log legs. Playing soccer kept me stretching, sweating, and running. You burn calories and fat. The chances of being overweight are slim to none. Fine and gross motor skills are fine tuned. You learn how to have better self control. You quickly learn hand-eye coordination, spatial skills, and balance. Strength and stamina are increased. Early participation in youth sports open up a pathway to form healthy habits for overall well-being and health. Physically fit children have a lower risk for certain diseases and health problems. Scientifically, physical activity releases endorphins, reduces cortisol, and stimulates norepinephrine.
Researchers believe that organized sports have many psychological and social benefits, even more than the physical activity itself. Self-esteem is positively affected. Sports are a positive outlet for kids with anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems. Support from teammates and coaches helps children to feel better about themselves, giving them confidence. Channeling their patience and committing to practice harder and improving their skills also gives them confidence. A game in any sport is a great arena to express yourself in a safe way. Being assertive and standing up for yourself takes practice and courage. While learning different viewpoints and calls from referees, you can voice how you feel, and feel good doing it. When a child adds going to sports practice into their weekly routine, it builds discipline. Just like school, they have to be there by a certain time and participate. It is also believed that playing a sport develops coping skills. Sometimes winning, and sometimes losing, can be compared to the highs and lows of life. It builds resilience. When a child overcomes disappointment from losing, they can learn to apply the skills they have learned in a healthy way.
Not only is starting sports early in life beneficial psychologically, but socially as well. It teaches teamwork and cooperation. Making new friends outside of school can solidify a sense of belonging. Listening and learning how to communicate will help develop the skills they need later in life. Working together as a team toward a common goal effectively can solve problems. Action builds confidence. Committing to a group fosters respect, tolerance, and equality amongst teammates. Cheering on and promoting others to win, not just for yourself. Playing sports from an early age can keep kids out of trouble and on the field or court, not juvenile court. It is a great opportunity for youth to meet mentors and advocates, especially for kids who don’t have any positive influences or any guidance at home. Sometimes, kids might not have anyone at home. Receiving attention and being cheered on can mean the whole world. These are just some of the benefits and characteristics that can be learned from your child that he/she can apply to other areas of life when growing into an adult.
I thank Amanda from my 3rd grade class for befriending me and encouraging me to play soccer on her team. As a child being alone a lot, I was invited to friendship and included in a group that I never would’ve initiated on my own. Similar to the reasons above, I made friends, and was introduced to a physical activity that I never would’ve guessed in a million years would keep me focused on health. I haven’t played soccer in years, but I cannot imagine not being active in my life. I have encouraged my children and have spoken to them about the importance of starting sports early, when they wanted to be home playing on their ipads. I started my teenage children in youth sports from the earliest age organizations would allow. Yes, it’s for fun, but I hope they get and take away some of the great lessons, skills, and disciplines that I have learned. Game On!