Everyone talks about the importance of fitness and exercise for kids – including us. Today lets discuss the benefits of sports for students. Playing a sport is a great way for children to take a break from academics and release the pent-up energy. It also helps them lead fuller and happier lives as regular sports and fitness activities have proven to provide not only physical benefits but also social and psychological benefits to children.

Below, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the benefits of sports for students and what your child will gain by playing sports or indulging in regular physical activity. By the end of this article, you will be enrolling your kid in a fitness programme for sure!

Character Building Traits

Self-confidence and self-esteem

Several studies suggest playing sports develops a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. A pat on the back, high-five from a teammate, or handshake after a match really boosts a child’s confidence. Words of praise and encouragement from the coach, parents and other players raise the self-esteem. An important thing to remember is that a child’s self-esteem should not be distinguished by victory or loss. Constructive criticism is key to children accepting and working on their weaknesses. It also helps when you ask ‘did you enjoy the game?’ rather than “did you win?”

Manage Emotions

We know how emotions run high in sports – whether watching a sport or playing it. Channeling negative emotions can be tough for children and a good coach will help them realize how negative emotional stress could hurt their performance. Such wisdom ingrained earlier on in life will help them deal with other life challenges later on.

Discipline

Every sport requires some mental, physical and tactical discipline. Following rules, obeying the coach, practicing restraint, etc. are all forms of discipline children learn through sports. Discipline enables people to reach their full potential and realize their goals – a trait prevalent in all successful people.

Social skills

Kids playing sports learn to interact not only with kids their age, but also with the older and younger players on the team, the coach, sports authorities, etc. They also develop a sense of belonging and get an opportunity to make new friends. These communication and social skills help them in their future relationships and careers.

Patience

Practice plays a large role in improving performance in any sport or activity. ‘Practice makes you perfect’ but guess what practice and perfection need? Patience. Athletics teach kids how to keep practicing and be patient in order to see the result