10 Benefits Of Children’s Organized Sports

Cool weather means football season in my family.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on children’s organized sports.  My grandson will be entering his third season of playing flag football.  He loves it.  His dad played football through college, so I guess it’s in his blood. When he first started playing, I was a little leery.  He was so much smaller than the other boys, but he assured me he would be okay.  Displaying confidence, he said Mawmaw, “They have to catch me.”  Since I’m grandma, I have bragging rights so I will.  He is fast, and they do have a hard time catching him.

children's organized sports

 

 

It’s actually exciting to watch him and his team members play. His dad is the head coach and his grandfather is the assistant coach.  It truly is a family affair. He has grown and learned so much over the pass 2 years.  There are several benefits to children playing organized sports.

 

Here a few benefits of Children’s Organized Sports:

  1. Physical Activity – He has learned the importance of being physically fit if you want to be involved in sports of any kind. It takes endurance to play an entire game, which is why most athletes do not smoke or do drugs. He has also learned the importance of eating healthy if he’s going to be an athlete.
  2. Intellectual Stimulation – He has learned that playing ball requires skill and brain power. He must learn to listen to his coaches, think on his feet, remember his position, and put plays together that his coaches have called.
  3. Confidence – His confidence and self-esteem has soared since he has been playing sports.  He believes in himself as a player and as a growing little boy.
  4. Team Work – He has learned that a team win games, it is not an individual sport.  He has learned that he must work with his team members whether he likes them or not and he must play fairly against his opponents.
  5. Competition – He has learned that competition is a part of life and can be healthy if the game is played fairly. He has learned that there are players that are better and some that are not as good.  The important thing is to play your best at all times.
  6. Focus – He has learned to focus on the game while tuning out the crowd shouting, listen for the whistle being blow by the referee, and listen to his coaches giving him instructions.
  7. Winning/Losing– He has learned that he nor his team can win at everything.  I remember the first game that his team lost.  He was so down, he didn’t think he deserved a trip to McDonald’s.  It made me so sad.  One of my life lesson’s came roaring to the surface, there will be times when you can’t sooth your child’s pain.  You must let life run it’s course.
  8. Team Leaders – He has learned the importance of leading a team as captain and co-captain, and the responsibilities of a leader.
  9. Friendship – He has made new friends on his and on opponent’s teams.  It has helped with his social skills, he gets invites to sleepovers, birthday parties and other outings.
  10. Family Time – He spends time watching football and basketball with his dad and grandfathers.  He is getting a better understanding of the game, asks questions and joins in the conversation when they’re together.

 

 

children's organized sports

 

We also have Xavier in swim lessons and basketball.  He refuses to play baseball.  The thought of getting hit with a baseball frightens him.  We have accepted his fear and not pushed him to participate in the sport. If he decides to play down the road fine, if not that’s fine too.

It’s amazing to watch how far he has come from the backyard football games and shooting hoops in the driveway.  I would encourage all parents to place their child in an organized sport whether it be soccer, football, basketball, baseball or martial arts.  Now a  little discipline for the parents, stay tuned for that post.

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Comments

  1. I am just starting this season of life – it's hard to get my son involved in sports because he wants to be awesome at the sport from the very beginning… it's been a hard lesson to learn that practice is what makes a better player. We're working on it 🙂

  2. Organized sports can bring so much to a child and I have to add I think you are very wise not to force anything. I think pushing a child into baseball or something they are fearful of is not a good idea and often just makes the fears intensify. Plus, they often end up looking weak in front of their classmates and we know little boys don't like that! Great post.

  3. I agree 100% Your list of benefits is the most complete one I've ever read. As my daughters entered high school I encouraged volleyball and basketball. These kept them busy during the critical hours after school when most kids are tempted to unwind with drugs and tobacco. Endless volleyball tournaments, sometimes lasting all day, got them to bed early on Friday night and too tired to "party" on Saturday night!
    Your grandson is so cute. I am enjoying watching my soon-to-be six year old grandsons play baseball and soccer. So far baseball hasn't scared them – but I do worry about the damage a pitched ball can do!

    • I agree J, organized activities keeps them out of trouble and away from alcohol and drugs too.  Very important.  My daughter was involved in ballet 6 days a week for years.  No time for the streets.  Thanks for the compliment on my little sweetie pie.  Mawmaw adores her grandchildren.