Team sport is a category of sports that require players to compete as part of a group or a team. Examples include football, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. Taking part in a team sport is an excellent way to build relationships with people from different backgrounds and get regular exercise. The benefits of team sport can extend to a child’s life outside the playing field and can help them achieve better academic results in school.
Children participating in team sports learn the importance of focusing on the goals of their teammates and not solely on their own achievements. They also develop communication skills and learn to understand different perspectives when resolving disagreements on the field. These are important skills to have for successful adulthood and the workplace.
Despite the fact that team sports can be very demanding and often require more time than people typically have, they can be very rewarding as well. As a former member of the 1992 and 1996 United States women’s Olympic gymnastic team, Shannon Miller explained, “Time management is one of the most valuable lessons I learned from my sport.” Having the discipline to manage time well, even when competing on a high level, can translate into other areas of a child’s life and can make them more productive.
In addition to the practical, real-world value of team sports, they can give young athletes a sense of belonging and a positive self-esteem. Research shows that the support of a team and a successful performance in a sport can lead to higher self-esteem than a merely academic achievement.