When it comes to youth sports, South Florida is one of the best areas to live in the entire country. Schools and organizations like JTAA keep kids on the field (and court) year-round. For parents in South Florida wondering about the benefits of getting their kids into youth sports here are just a few important reasons why we think you should.

Work Ethic

There are very few things in early childhood more rewarding than seeing your skills improve as a result of your hard work. If your kid wants to get better at a particular sport, the recipe is simple: practice! Sports can help teach kids the work it takes to achieve their goals both on and off the court.

Youth Sports Develop Self-Esteem

A high-five, pat on the back, thumbs up, or even a nod of approval – these are simple gestures that can help build confidence in kids. You’ll often see these signals come from teammates and coaches when they want to recognize someone for a job well done. Youth sports educate kids on both their capabilities and their limitations, and they do so in an organic way that can’t be replicated in school or elsewhere.

Regular Exercise

Tell a child to exercise, and they may put up a fight. Exercise does, after all, sound like work. But tell a kid to go out and play with their friends, and you won’t get an argument. When kids play sports, they probably don’t even realize how much healthier they are becoming. They are building stamina and endurance. Their hearts are getting healthier thanks to all the aerobic activity, and they’re maintaining a healthy body weight which will help them ward off diseases associated with obesity.

Teaches Leadership Skills

While team sports require a team effort, kids still learn about leadership. They learn about responsibility as they recognize the vital roles they play on their team. Leadership isn’t always about who is the best or on top; quiet leadership is about being accountable for your actions and being a role model for sportsmanship.

Teamwork

The ability to work well with others is a skill that youth athletes will learn playing sports and they will bring it with them throughout their entire lives. It will benefit them when they get older and prove to be beneficial when they have to work with others at their jobs.

Stronger Relationships

Because of the social aspect of team sports, kids learn how to handle themselves better in social situations. They develop a sense of camaraderie and community, allowing them to maintain and nurture stronger relationships.

Better Communicators

Team sports put them in many social situations where they need to express themselves. Because team sports promote teamwork and foster relationships, kids also become better at communicating. And because sports also instill self-esteem, children not only communicate better but they do so with confidence.

Teaches Respect

Sports don’t just teach kids the fundamentals of playing, but it also instills respect for authority and rules. At a very young age, children who play sports learn the consequences that come with not following the rules. They are taught to respect their coaches who guide them and the officials who work to ensure the games are fair. They also learn good sportsmanship and to treat their opponents respectfully, win or lose.

Time Management

Youth athletes have been observed to be better students. Through sports, kids learn about time management and discipline. Teammates often support each other on and off the field, helping one another keep track of schedules and academic responsibilities.

Conclusion

There you have it, all of the reasons we think youth sports are both important and valuable to your child’s development. If you live in South Florida, be sure to look into organizations like JTAA to find out more.