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by Nomadic Chris, 19 November 2009
“LIFE IS A TEAM SPORT” – Quote
“The one man team is a complete and total myth” - Don Shula
Why are team sports important for teenagers?
What are the benefits of taking part in soccer, American football, rugby, hockey, basketball and other sports generally involving a large number of people?
24/7 laptop, internet, computer and TV usage is just not healthy! According to Time Magazine, teen obesity in the US tripled from 1974 to 2004, lack of activity is one of the causes. Joining a team will get more youths OUTDOORS to enjoy some sunshine, fresh air (hopefully!) and to work off some of the famed 'teen angst'.
Youth involvement in sports is slowly on the rise again as everywhere, around the world, teachers and parents realize the many advantages of teens taking to the practice fields. There are physical, psychological and social benefits to pulling on sports gear and joining your friends on the field!
REVERSING EFFECTS OF GEN-COUCH POTATOES!
Sports can boost your energy levels, maintain your weight and improve your mood! Even working out or going for a run in the morning can leave a person refreshed for the rest of the day.
TEAMWORK!
How can you win? Teamwork! Teens will pick up essential communication skills ("Pass me the ball!!"), discipline ("No, don’t stomp on his head!") and other essential relationship skills which will help them in both life and career. The more players in a team? The more people you get to know!
SELF ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE!
Some youths are not academically inclined so sports is one good way for a teen to enhance their self image and this may lead to positive repercussions in the classroom. Even if it's not a career-option, such is the variety of sports that almost everyone can find a sport that they are good at. Full of angst and angry-at-the-world? Then focus it on a sport!
LIFE EXPERIENCE!
Winning is a great feeling but like in sports, in life, you will not always win. As a teen grows into an adult, they will have to cope with both success and bitter disappointment. The sports field is a place where they can deal with the the harsher side of life on a lesser scale. It's about sportsmanship, and learning to lose or win with grace and humility. Most importantly, teens can learn that to be successful, you have to work hard, learn from disappointments and that cheating will be punished. A playing field is the perfect classroom for these lessons!
FINANCIAL SUPPORT!
For student athletes who excel, the financial burden of tertiary education can be offset by a scholarship. Study hard and then run / slam dunk your way tuition-free to university!
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS!
Most youths just want to play catch with their parents! Having parents take time out of their busy schedules to gently support or coach a teen from the side can do wonders for relationships! Get your parents involved in volunteering or coaching but avoid ‘Tennis’ Dad-ism!
There are many examples of sports teams which have bred a positive community spirit. One is a new project lead by China Club Football and CAI China. Click here for more.
Furthermore, in a small town in Atlanta USA, a team made up of teenage refugees and led by Coach Lumsa Mufleh are making headlines. The “Fugees” is made up of teens from Afghanistan, Burundi, Kosovo, Liberia, Somalia and Sudan. Boys who have experienced war and poverty. In a new land with little roots, they are united by one sport, SOCCER! The team overcame initial local ill-feeling to become a national success story! (Team Picture above).
To join the team, boys have to sign a contract with Ms. Mufleh with some simple points including: “I will not use bad language”, “I will be On Time” and “My hair will be shorter than coach’s.” First half of training is taken up with homework and tutoring. Without the team, there is no doubt that these boys would be lonely. With the team, they can enjoy friendship and discipline. The story has been the subject of a book, “Outcasts United”, and a film to be released.
Sadly, in some countries, youth sports are underfunded. This leaves many potential athletes frustrated, some drop out thus leaving participation levels low. Well meaning adult and teen volunteers often have to deal with pushy parents, lack of equipment, old uniforms and lack of venue issues. Thankfully, passion for a sport and greater government recognition often overrides most problems and this is why globally so many teams are still alive and kicking.
Team sports are fun and can help a person build life skills! Most importantly, what a great way to create some cherished memories for the future!
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