Team sport is a popular and often competitive activity where a group of people work together as part of the same athletic unit. This could include a soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, or football team. It has been found that sports teams play better on their home field, due to familiarity with the stadium’s idiosyncrasies; acclimating to local weather, lighting, and wind conditions; being cheered by hometown fans; and having a sense of place on the part of the players, coaches, and owners.
One of the most valuable lessons that kids can learn from playing a team sport is respect. This includes respect for teammates, coaches, and referees; but also respect for themselves. Being on a sports team teaches kids to respect themselves and their opponents, and how to resolve disagreements. This is a skill that can help them throughout their life, whether they’re dealing with a difficult coworker or a sibling fighting over a video game.
In addition to respect, team sports teach kids that they can achieve great things through hard work and perseverance. Developing a new skill can be challenging, but with the support of their teammates they will find themselves becoming stronger and more confident. Achieving non-academic goals like a touchdown or a goal on the field is extremely satisfying for kids, and it can also give them confidence to tackle other tasks, such as schoolwork. In fact, studies have shown that kids who participate in team sports tend to have higher GPAs than their peers.