Benefits of Athletics for
CHILDREN and FAMILIES.
1
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Engaging in regular physical activity can lower the chances of children developing musculoskeletal degenerative conditions, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, involvement in sports and physical activities is associated with making healthier choices, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables, while being less likely to engage in undesirable behaviors like smoking and using illicit drugs.
2
MENTAL HEALTH
Regular exercise can provide an outlet for teens and adolescents to release pent-up emotions, creating a “space away” from everyday life, and fostering the production of endorphins and norepinephrine in the body, which help to prevent depression and anxiety. Participation in athletics is also associated with enhanced body image and feelings of self-worth, which also counteract depression. Teenagers who engage in sport also demonstrate a reduction in suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
3
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Physical activity and organized sports teach adolescents important social skills such as communication, acceptance of others, friendship, and conflict resolution. Athletics also help to integrate children’s lives within their school communities, increasing participation in other extracurricular activities and improving academic performance. Student athletes report higher levels of social engagement as compared to their non-athlete counterparts. Young people who participate in organized sports are also more likely to be involved in community activities as adults.
4
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
More athletes than non-athletes enjoyed greater levels of high academic achievement. Athletes not only have higher grades than non-athletes, but also study longer and are more likely to be enrolled in a university two years after high school.
5
FAMILY HARMONY
Sports serve as a platform for children and their parents to spend time together and foster positive connections that extend beyond the athletic realm. Children’s involvement with sports is often associated with more harmony, cohesion, trust and communication between parents and children. Participating in organized youth sports is associated with enhanced family unity and happiness.
Sources
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Brooks, L.L. (2002). The Effects of After-School Physical Activity and Adult Encouragement on Adolescents. Memomonie, WI: University of Wisconsin-Stout. https://core.ac.uk/download/5066041.pdf
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Brooks, L.L. (2002). The Effects of After-School Physical Activity and Adult Encouragement on Adolescents. Memomonie, WI: University of Wisconsin-Stout. https://core.ac.uk/download/5066041.pdf
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Taliaferro, L.A., Rienzo, B., Miller MD, et al. (2008). High school youth and suicide risk: exploring protection afforded through physical activity and sport participation. J Sch Health; 78:545–553.
Perks, T. (2007). Does sport foster social capital? The contribution of sport to a lifestyle of community participation. Sociology of Sport Journal, 24, 378-401.
Sabo, D. and Veliz, P. (2008). Go Out and Play: Youth Sports in America. East Meadow, NY: Women’s Sports Foundation.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED539976.pdf
Svoboda B. (1994). Sport and Physical Activity as a Socialisation Environment: Scientific Review Part 1. Strasbourg, France: Council of Europe.
Marsh, H. W. and Kleitman, S. (2003). School athletic participation: Mostly gain with little pain. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 25:205-228.
Crosnoe, R. (2002). Academic and health-related trajectories in adolescence: The intersection of gender and athletics. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43:317-335.
Klein, J.W. (2017). An analysis of youth participation in athletics. Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 360.
Sabo, D. and Veliz, P. (2008). Go Out and Play: Youth Sports in America. East Meadow, NY: Women’s Sports Foundation.