Benefits of Being Involved in Youth Sport

Little League baseball is one of the most popular youth sports.

There are several benefits of participation in youth sport in my eyes. I know first hand of the benefits since every Spring I help coach a Little League team in Mercer, PA. Just in that short period of time (late March to the end of June) you can really see how much they grow and mature. In some cases it could be a childs first year of playing Little League baseball and their coordination and athletism is not there, but by the end of the season they have made astronomical strides. In class on September 19th, 2013 we discussed the benefits of participating in sport for youths:

• Develops and maintains fitness
• Preperation for adult hood
• Opportunity to learn values
• Teaches interactive skills
• Provides opportunities for leadership
• Ability to exercise power
• To have fun

These are all prime examples to why children should participate in sport, and I agree with all of these factors since I have seen them first hand in coaching Little League. Also in class we made a list of the most popular sports for youths which surprised me a little. I figured baseball or soccer would be at the top of the list with all of the Little League and youth soccer programs.

 

Most Popular Sports (Ages 6-17) As Discussed in Class 

• Basketball (23 million) 
• Baseball (15 million) 
• Incline Skating (10.4 million) 
• Outdoor Soccer (10.3 million) 
• Football (tackle) (8.9 million) 
• Skateboarding (8.8 million) 
• Football (touch) (6.7 million) 
• Volleyball (5 million)

Connecting the text to the topic of benefits of youth sport. Coakley on page 144 in his book, Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies states, "Research shows that playing youth sports can enhance social and physical development, but it doesn't do this automatically, nor is it likely when programs are not organized to match the overall maturational level of the children who play in them. It's never too early for a child to engage in expressive physical activities in safe environments. In fact, the more activity, the better; and the more socially and physically diverse the activities, the better (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000)." (Coakley 2010 p. 144).



Pee-Wee's and Midgets are still growing, but are facing negativity due to injuries.

This article called National Youth Sports Week Hightlights Benefits of Particpating, written by Marcia Douglas on Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Summarizing the article Marcia goes on to explain the millions of kids who participate in youth sports in the country every year. From outdoor soccer programs to early morning batting practice for Little League. She says that there are far more advantages rather than just the physical ones, "participating in youth sports can build self-esteem and confidence, leadership skills, and self-discipline. It can also teach the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, time management, perseverance, cooperation and more. Plus, and perhaps most importantly for kids, it can be a whole lot of fun" (Douglas). She also discusses that a lot of children end up quitting organized sports groups due to several reasons. From high costs to not having fun anymore. Overall Marcia Douglas really likes the idea of participating in sport starting at the youth level. It sets the ground work for many life lessons and essential characteristics to help us mature.

For the full article follow this link : Benefits of Youth Sport

 



Youth soccer programs still are one of the most popular sports for children.