Team sport is the term used to describe any sport that requires more than one player on each side. This includes soccer, basketball, baseball, football and many of the track and field events (although swimming can be considered a team sport since there are four people on a relay race). It is important for kids to play team sports because it helps them learn that they are part of something bigger than themselves. As a result, they become adaptable and resilient because they know that working together with their teammates is essential for success in the game. This skill will carry with them into their life outside the rink or court and can help them in school, work and other extracurricular activities.
Being on a team also teaches kids that they need to put in the hard work to get better. They have to commit to practice, study and eat right. As a result, they develop self-discipline and learn to be accountable to themselves as well as their coaches. For example, if they have a game or tournament coming up and they want to practice, they can’t hit the snooze button and go back to sleep because they will be held accountable by their teammates.
Moreover, playing team sports teaches kids that it is okay to lose, but they must learn how to lose gracefully and turn losses into learning opportunities for the future. This is an invaluable lesson for kids to learn because as adults they will be competing in the workplace, with other people and even themselves.