A team sport is an activity in which a group of athletes (called a team) work together towards a common goal, usually to win. The goals are accomplished through the efforts of each team member in a supportive, trusting environment.
Team sports are a great way to teach kids how to work together with others. Through diverse pairings of teammates and the various scenarios involved, children learn how to adapt and persevere in the face of challenges – a valuable lesson that will help them in life. In addition, the discipline needed to play a team sport teaches kids about self-restraint and how to behave in a controlled manner under stressful situations.
Children also learn how to effectively communicate in a team setting through verbal as well as nonverbal communication and feedback from their coaches and teammates. This enables them to express themselves, share their hopes and fears, celebrate victories and deal with defeat in a healthy and productive way. The comradery and sense of belonging that is gained from being a part of a team also provides a positive foundation for developing positive social relationships outside the playing field.
Lastly, team sports offer kids the opportunity to develop their time management skills as they juggle training sessions and games with other commitments such as schoolwork and family responsibilities. This is particularly important as many parents assume that a child’s participation in a team sport will distract them from schoolwork, but studies have shown that students who participate in team sports often have higher GPAs than those who do not.