Why Is Competitive Sports Good For Children

Dear parents of children 13 years or younger:

An issue that has created much debate over the years is that if competitive sports are good for children. There are different sides to this argument. One side says that competitive sports are not good for children while the other side argues that competitive sports are beneficial for children. When children participate in sports, the activity will make the skills needed later in life. For example, teamwork and promote healthy activity to grow in order to have a long healthy life. There are many different unique ways to look at competitive sports for young soon to be athletes like in the article “Youth sports can keep kids healthy in more than just the physical aspect”, written by Michilea Patterson

According to “The Top 7 Mental Benefits of Sports” written by Kathryn Watson, which was medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher a medical expert, shared the facts with us "When you are physically active, your mind is distracted from daily stressors. This can help you avoid getting bogged down by negative thoughts" (Watson, 2016). In addition, the same author wrote "The regular exercise that comes with playing sports can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. As your strength, skills, and stamina increase through playing sports, your self-image will improve as well" (Watson, 2016). Also, in the passage “15 eye-opening facts about youth sports” written Janis Meredith who is a writer from the National Football League shares with us a piece from Sports Illustrated "Kids are learning good things from sports. Sixty-seven percent learn to be a team player. Sixty-seven percent meet people they wouldn’t have otherwise meet. Forty-two percent develop discipline. (Sports Illustrated)" (Meredith, 2018). The evidence above gives a few clear examples of benefits mentally and physical through youth