How youth sports help children build resilience and succeed
Are youth sports worth the investment for families?
Lately, there has been increased conversations about children’s participation in sports across the internet. Predominantly, the debate has surrounded if the benefits for the child outweigh the inconvenience and drain on the parents.
Games each weekend, practices after school, and the occasional tournament all drain parents’ time resources, not to mention the cost of some youth sports leagues draining parents’ financial resources.
The physical, social, and emotional benefits of youth sports
While there are often significant barriers to youth sports participation, the research shows that children who are part of a team outperform their peers in many areas. The physical health that accompanies sports activities, the camaraderie of a team, the instilled life lessons of respect and how to compete with integrity all contribute to a well-rounded child.
How playing sports builds confidence and resilience in children
Intellectually, sports engage parts of the brain that other activities cannot and inspire mental strength and fortitude. Learning how to cope and overcome with frustration and discouragement as their skills improve leads to emotionally resilient children.
Research also shows that sports support kids’ self-esteem, even when they do not perform at the highest level.
“Resilience is a crucial trait that helps children navigate through life’s challenges, including loss and disappointment,” shared the National Alliance of Athletics. “Youth sports programs play an essential role in building resilience in kids. By participating in sports, kids learn to cope with setbacks, develop a growth mindset, and build a sense of self-worth.”
The bottom line – sports are by and large good for kids.
For these reasons and more, Buckner International invests in children and families through collaborations with organizations like the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex presented by Toyota to demolish the barriers that typically prevent children or families from investing in youth sports.
Why youth sports matter for children facing adversity
Children with adverse childhood experiences statistically benefit exponentially more from the lessons taught by sports participation, and the barriers of cost, transportation, or parental involvement can often hinder them from reaping said benefits.
Organizations with a focus in free or sponsored sports programs are creating spaces where children can work through trauma through thought reframing, self-control, and community.
“Anecdotal evidence suggests that sporting activities positively influence individual well-being alongside a sense of purpose and belonging centered around sporting clubs and activities Empirically, participation in sport has been identified as a key resilience factor for young people with numerous Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs),” reports the National Library of Medicine.
Removing barriers to youth sports participation
Children in at-risk communities in San Antonio, Houston, and Longview, Texas, will have access to innovative free sports and character development services following the expansion of a pilot collaboration between nonprofit Buckner International and Wellspring Consulting LLC.
Help more children experience the benefits of sports
If you personally experienced the benefits of participating in sports as a child, or you are simply interested in providing young people with tools to succeed through sports leagues, there are many ways you can play a part. You can volunteer to coach your local youth sports league, donate to sponsorships or sports organizations, or help coordinate league games and tournaments in your area.
When children have safe and free places to engage with others, exercise, and learn life lessons, families and communities are stronger.
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