Raising a child with a love of sports can bring many values. That child will have an appreciation for competition, learn how to work for a goal and spend hours outside playing instead of staying inside while being occupied by video games and television alone. Many believe that there's a joy in playing sports that athletes learn early in life, and it can carry over for a lifetime.
Baseball/Softball
Organized baseball and softball are two of the most popular sports in the country. The Little League organization gives more than 3 million youngsters the chance to play baseball and softball in the United States every year, and other organizations similar to Little League do the same. Baseball encourages physical strength, hand-eye coordination and athleticism while helping a young child learn about teamwork, discipline and leadership. As all this is happening, playing the game is also great fun for many who participate.
Bicycling
Not all athletic endeavors have to be competitive team sports. Riding a bicycle for the first time is one of the earliest athletic thrills that most people have, and it's a sport that can provide benefit from the earliest years through the senior years. Riding a bicycle is one of the best cardiovascular fitness activities you can engage, and it is also great for balance, leg strength and coordination. It's also good for self-esteem because the young rider gets on a bike and negotiates the challenge of maintaining balance and staying upright. Riding a bike with friends and family members encourage bonding and socialization.
Soccer
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and it has grown in status since being introduced to youth players in 1974. At that time, point the U.S. Youth Soccer Organization said there were 100,000 children playing soccer in the country. By 2010, there were more than 3 million youngsters playing in organized leagues. Soccer is beneficial for strength, flexibility, endurance, cardiovascular conditioning and fitness. It encourages teamwork, self-esteem and discipline.
Ice Skating
This is another sport that can be started in early childhood that can stay with a person throughout their life. Skating teaches balance, coordination and has great physical fitness benefits and the the thrill of gliding over the ice can be thrilling. While learning to balance and move around the ice is a challenge -- especially at the start -- improving at skating can lead to participate in sports like ice hockey, speed skating and figure skating.
