In a world where children face so much stress and competition, team sport is important to help them stay healthy and build a sense of community. But more than that, team sports teach essential life lessons for kids that can be carried into adulthood and beyond the court, rink, or field.
Team sports are characterized by the impossibility or impracticality of executing the sport as a single-player endeavor and are reliant on team dynamics for success. This includes sports such as synchronized swimming, curling, rowing, dragon boat racing and sprint relay races, though some non-traditional team sports may also be considered as such, such as mountaineering, where the difficulty of the climb rather than an opposing team is measured.
Working in a team sport requires effective communication and collaboration. Whether it is discussing strategy during practice, listening to and responding to verbal and non-verbal cues from teammates, or preparing for an upcoming match, team sports are a great way for children to learn skills they can take into the workplace and their own personal relationships.
In addition, team sports teach children to work through setbacks and disappointment. After all, not every game goes according to plan, and not everyone on a team will be a star. But a child who has learned how to deal with disappointment on and off the field can apply this lesson to all aspects of their life, from academics to career to friendships. Lastly, team sports help children learn how to manage their time well. With training twice a week, games on the weekends and often school or work during the week, team sports can teach kids how to juggle multiple responsibilities and commitments.
