Even if you have a lot of other priorities for instance, sports, extracurricular activities, etc., s...

1. What are the Benefits of Sports for Kids and Teens?
Even if you have a lot of other priorities for instance, sports, extracurricular activities, etc., still you
need to complete a senior project to graduate successfully
Children who play competitive sports get more out of it than a love of athletics. There are many
benefits both physical and mental benefits for active children and teens who are involved in sports
on any level. Competition in sports is a healthy way for students to get exercise and the activity itself
can help kids to mature in many ways. Even kids who are not athletic can benefit from
sports.Physical Benefits of Competitive Sports for Teens
Childhood obesity is a serious problem in many areas of the world. According to the Center for
Disease Control in the article "Childhood Overweight and Obesity" on its website, the 2007-2008
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that around 17 percent of
children and teens ages two to 19 are obese. Getting children involved with sports from a young age
is an easy and fun way to combat obesity and help children and teens maintain a healthy weight and
body image.
There are also many other benefits aside from weight control that result from playing sports. Most
competitive sports, from dancing to football, require a level of agility and coordination that may
otherwise take years to develop. Sports can help youth develop greater coordination and muscle
control at an earlier age.
Physical activity requires focus. Muscle memory allows kids to play sports more easily, but getting
that focus requires discipline. Discipline in sports can also result in a more disciplined and focused
child. A good coach can direct kids and teens in a way that enhances their ability to focus on both

2. body and mind.
Mental and Social Benefits of Competitive Sports for Kids
In addition to an increased ability to focus, there are a number of mental and social benefits for
children and teens who get involved with competitive sports. Kids who play sports are exposed to a
social circle of children with similar interests from a young age; this can give them a healthy,
supportive group of friends as they grow older.
Competitive sports are heavily focused on communication and strategy. Although younger children
may not have these skills, over time, competition helps them to develop. Communication involves
talking both to teammates and opponents, problem-solving and sportsmanship. Kids who learn these
skills early on in life are likely to apply those skills to many areas of academics and their social life.
Interaction with a coach is also an important part of competitive sports, especially for high-risk
youth. Kids and teens that have a supportive adult outside the home are less likely to experience
depression and more likely to have a higher self-esteem.
Sports offer many benefits to youth, from physical fitness to emotional well-being. All sports,
whether swimming, soccer, baseball or any other sport, can give kids a major boost in their physical
and emotional development.
Source:
Payne, Caroline and Fogarty, Kate. Importance http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/SPORT of
Youth Involvement in Sports. University of Florida IFAS Extension (accessed June 22, 2010).
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