High school sports have been around for decades, allowing teenagers to develop their physical agility and endurance. While this might be considered an after-school activity, some parents prefer to look for good schools with strong athletics programs over academics for their teens.
Most people see school sports as a way to keep the kids physically active and build their foundation for fitness, much to their health improvement. However, the advantages of joining a sports program may go beyond the physical benefits.
Here's what your teens will develop or learn if they are active in high school sports:
1. They achieve better academic outcomes.
According to the Journal of School Health, a positive correlation exists between students' academic standing and participation in sports clubs. Physical activities help with memory and focus on school work. It sharpens their mental acuity, improving their long-term memory. Thus, it's not surprising for kids who do well in sports to also ace their academic exams.
2. They learn teamwork and develop their leadership skills.
Kids in sports learn to work in groups and experience the value of teamwork. They get used to collaboration, which will help them understand why it's important to prioritize the success of their team versus personal gains. They will also discover leadership skills that will prove valuable when they are in the workforce as adults.
Both teamwork and leadership skills are life lessons that cannot be learned by simply mastering academics. It takes months or even years of training to muster that confidence
3. Their physical activities stave off depression.
Exercises and school sports trigger the continuous release of hormones or endorphins that help your teens quash the symptoms of depression. These hormones also lower their stress levels. Per the Journal of Adolescent Health, kids who have been regulars in team sports present better mental wellness compared to those who are not into sports.
4. They become social and forge friendships for life.
When your teens are in a team, they will also develop friendships that may be for life. They will learn social skills to relate to people and communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively. They will also harness their decision-making skills and boost their self-esteem because having their teammates as friends may give them a sense of community.
5. They will have more interest in pursuing college.
According to the MIT Press Journal, being in a high school team puts kids in economically-disadvantaged communities to strive and pursue college. Some may be lucky to receive scholarships from major universities, but generally, the acceptance rates for college among students who are in sports are higher. Their training in the sports club will equip them with a successful mindset; thus, colleges will be eager to accept them.
