Whether they are making the winning point or bringing down an opponent, every member of a team needs to contribute to victory. This teaches team members to value each other’s skills and how to work together toward common goals in a safe and encouraging environment. Being on a team also helps foster good sportsmanship and puts losing and winning in perspective.
All sports require physical activity, which in turn helps to develop your cardio-respiratory endurance and tone your muscles. Team sports, however, have the added bonus of social engagement and thus have a mood-boosting effect on the participants.
Participation in team sport teaches children the importance of training and the value of hard work. It shows them that they should always strive for excellence and not be afraid to fail, because the payoff comes through perseverance. They also learn that there are no shortcuts to success, and that it’s usually those who put in the most time and effort who succeed.
In addition, participating in a team sport teaches children how to communicate with their teammates. This includes both spoken and unspoken communication, such as locker room discussions and non-verbal cues from their teammates. This teaches them how to collaborate with others, which will serve them well in any future endeavors. Being on a team teaches them how to respect one another, even when they disagree with their opinions or decisions. This is a valuable life skill that will come in handy in all aspects of their lives.