When it comes to after school activities, sports are one of the most popular options, with football, basketball, netball and other games usually on offer. Team sports can be great for kids, teaching them skills they’ll use throughout life, so here are just a few of the reasons why you should get them enrolled in a sports team.
- They feel like they are part of something
It’s common for kids to feel isolated nowadays, but team sports help them unite and feel part of a community. If they’re perhaps struggling with making friends or feeling left out at school, then a sports team is a good way to let them feel included. There are lots of rituals that help a team feel united, from buying a uniform on airxteamwear.com.au to social events, so make sure they make the most of their time with the team.
- They learn to work in a team
Learning to work as part of a team is a big part of life, and a skill they’ll use throughout school, university and their working life. One of the best ways to get them used to this at a young age is to get them involved in a sports team. They’ll learn to work alongside others to reach a common goal, and as they get older, they may pick up some leadership skills too.
- It helps them stay healthy
Kids should get an hour of moderate to hard physical activity each day. Unfortunately, schools usually only offer two to three hours a week of PE, which means they still need to get in a few hours a week. Sports practice is usually a couple of hours, and they can also get some extra training in during their spare time to ensure they stay healthy.
- There’s a sport for everyone
Even if your child has tried a sport before and not liked it, there’s no reason why they can’t try something else. Some of the most popular team sports for kids include:
- Football
- Rugby
- Cricket
- Netball
- Rounders
- Basketball
- Volleyball
If your child wants to quit a team, try to encourage them to try some sessions of other sports, so they can find something they’re good at and keep getting their weekly exercise.
- It broadens their social circle
Most kids only meet friends who go to the same school or college, and some of them find it difficult to deal with the cliquey nature of these kinds of environments. If they need an easy way to meet new people, then sports are a great way to broaden their social circle.
- Sport sets them a challenge
Kids need to learn how to overcome challenges and getting better at a sport shows them that if they put the work in, they can achieve anything. They learn that working hard pays off, and this is an excellent lesson for them to take into adult life.
Team sports give kids lots of different skills, and not just on the pitch, so if your child needs to become more confident or work better with others, consider enrolling them in a sports team.
