FamilyResource estimates that around 40 million children participate in youth sports across the United States. There is a multitude of sports to chose from, making it convenient for children to match an activity with their skills. In addition, children of all ages can participate in sports. In fact, the American Youth Soccer Organization has 4-year-old athletes competing. Sports have many effects on kids, mostly positive. They can help children become fit both physically and psychologically.
Social Effects
As explained in the book "The Young Athlete," youth sports help children develop relationships with their peers. Because sports are typically found within the camaraderie of a team, kids find it easier to form friendships. Children also learn the importance of working as a team to accomplish a task, an essential skill for the future. According to the book, sports help children understand diversity because they play with kids of all ethnic, social and economical backgrounds.
Physical Effects
Children who play sports learn that physical fitness can be a fun habit, according to "The Young Athlete." Because obesity affects so many people in the world, it is important for children to find enjoyable forms of exercise to maintain a lifelong healthy weight. The book's authors explain that sports help children understand how their body responds to stimuli. Because of this comprehension, children may also be less inclined to use drugs or alcohol. Athletes tend to appreciate what their bodies can do physically and do not risk ruining their abilities on unhealthy choices.
Future
An article in the Journal of the American Enterprise Institute explains that children who play sports tend to make more money in the future. Research conducted by economists Bradley T. Ewing of Texas Tech University and John M. Barron and Glen R. Waddell at Purdue University shows that high school athletes earn 12 percent to 31 percent more than those who did not plays sports as children. In addition, children who play sports are more likely to reach higher levels of education. Child athletes also learn to be more active in society than non-athletes. Research from a 2006 University of Maryland study by economists Mark Hugo Lopez and Kimberlee Moore shows that athletes are more likely to register to vote and are more comfortable with public speaking.
Mental Effects
Sports help children deal with school and social pressure. "The Young Athlete" says physical exertion can help alleviate mental pressures. In addition, sports help to temporarily distract kids from stress. In fact, using physical exercise as a stress relief can help children obtain higher grades due to its concentration enhancing abilities. Youth sports also help children learn how to cope with losing and disappointment.
Negative effects
FamilyResource warns that there are some negative side effects to youth sports. Children are sometimes pressured to win by coaches and parents. This stress can make children afraid to fail or make mistakes. Because mistakes are a natural part of learning, children may be too afraid to keep trying something because of the fear of failing. Kids under the age 9 are often unable to determine the difference between effort and ability. This means a child will personalize failure, thinking he did not try enough.
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