A team sport involves a group of individuals working together toward a common goal. The unique setting of a team sport allows kids to learn valuable life lessons that will carry them beyond the court, rink or field. By participating in a team sport, kids gain skills that they can take with them into their adult lives, such as commitment, training, and goal-setting. They also learn the importance of respecting and valuing their teammates’ strengths and how to work together in diverse ways.
One of the most important lessons learned from a team sport is the concept of putting the team before yourself. This is especially true for young athletes who must compete brutally to be selected as part of a team. Once they are on the team, however, they are expected to put the needs of the team ahead of their own individual goals. This lesson is particularly important for young children because it helps them develop an outlook on life that will carry with them into adulthood.
Whether it’s listening to a locker room pep talk, picking up on nonverbal cues from fellow players, or debriefing after a game, communication is essential for any team sport. This teaches young athletes to communicate effectively with their coaches, teammates and classmates. They learn to express their concerns, hopes and disappointments as well as celebrate successes in a safe and supportive environment.
While the most obvious lesson from a team sport is how to work together, other lessons are less intuitive. For example, a team sport teaches kids to deal with loss and setbacks by not dwelling on them but by using those losses as opportunities for learning how to improve. In addition, a team sport teaches them to celebrate their victories and to foster good sportsmanship so that they can continue to improve.