The Benefits Of Competitive Sports

“Prepare young athletes for their sporting future, not just the next competition.” This was said by the website Coaching Young Athletes. This accurately describes youth competitive sports because sports teach life skills for the future. Last year, I played in a travel league for basketball, and I became good friends with somebody. These activities help a lot of children socially. Most people say that youth competitive sports are bad because they push children too far and whatnot. However, people commonly overlook the life skills acquired by doing these said sports. Youth competitive sports are sports that youths do, usually taken seriously and the youth have a record. Although youth competitive sports can push children to their limits, sports

The article, “What are the Benefits of Competitive Sports for Youth?” states that, “Positive experiences… can build confidence through achievement.” (Davis 4). This means that every time a child does well in sports, their confidence could boost. This is good especially in America because some children are lacking confidence. Also, “Sports:The Benefits of Competitive Athletic Sports Participation in Today's Sports Climate” states, “As a competitive athlete one will need to… develop internal skills for handling pressure.” (Mango 4). That internal skill? Confidence. If you have confidence, it helps you think you can do it and helps handle pressure, and that can be acquired by these youth competitive sports. For example, a child might need to be confident before playing in a state championship. Another article titled “Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level” says that “Through competition, teens establish a solid work ethic that values practice and rewards determination. teenagers enhance skills in self-reliance and team interaction, and develop new structures of self-motivation, discipline, and personal responsibility.” (Chen 2) The key words here are “Self motivation” and “Self Reliance.” Basically these competitions help the youths learn self reliance and self motivation (Also known as confidence). These three articles clearly show how sports teach

“What are the Benefits of Competitive Sports for Youth?” states that “... Another social skill that sports teach is that of being able to play fair. A game such as kickball, softball or baseball, for instance, will teach your child the value of waiting her turn.” (Davis 3). This is one of many social skills, and playing fair is an important example. Also, “Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level” says, “When children and teens participate in group competitions and activities, they learn skills that apply to opportunities both on and off the playing field.” (Chen 2). This shows that sports teach social skills that basically can be used anywhere. Lastly, “Sports:The Benefits of Competitive Athletic Sports Participation in Today's Sports Climate” states in its article that ““Participating in sports gives athletes the ability to develop tight and lasting friendships with others who have common interests.” The social skill shown here is making friends, and sports can clearly help children with