The importance of team sports
8/19/2024 by Luke Radel, M.D.
Summer is winding down, and it's time to prepare for the new school year. With a new school term comes the Fall sports season, and many families are looking to sign their children up for team sports. There are countless benefits to team sports, and we'll further discuss the psychological benefits that young athletes receive as members of a team.
Team sports are an excellent way for young people to get exercise to keep their bodies strong and healthy. But the benefits of team sports go far beyond just keeping our physical bodies healthy. Equally as important as our physical health is our mental health. There is a lot of research showing that young people who participate in team sports have lower rates of depression and anxiety. Athletes who still suffer from depression and anxiety often improve their symptoms.
In addition to their physical and mental health benefits, kids playing team sports develop many life skills throughout the season. Skills needed to succeed as a team include learning communication and social skills. Young people can further develop these important skills by playing a team sport. These skills are important during both good and challenging times.
Every team experiences adversity throughout the season, and teammates learn how to deal with this adversity by working together. Having supportive teammates can be helpful during difficult moments not only in the sport but also in their lives. Teammates are a valuable part of one's support system.
During the team sports season, athletes usually feel a sense of belonging and accomplishment. The success and the time a team enjoys together build camaraderie and create lifelong memories, which have immeasurable psychological benefits.
As we head into the Fall sports season, consider signing your child up for a team sport. If you have further questions about whether team sports are right for your child, reach out to their primary care clinician for more information.
Luke Radel, M.D., is a pediatrician in Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board-certified in pediatrics and sports medicine. Dr. Radel is the volunteer team physician for Rochester John Marshall High School and has experience treating youth, collegiate and professional athletes.