Have you ever been a father figure, friend, teacher, confidant, begged your friends for cleats both new and old for your kids, or a shoulder to cry on for an entire youth football team? Then you're probably a youth football coach.
Ever provide cookies and drinks at practice; car rides before and after practice; bought socks, gloves and other accessories for team members; cowbells for fans, decorated your car; or registration for a less fortunate child? Then you are probably a Team Mom or Team Dad! Big Ups to all you volunteer with hearts of gold and enough love for all your players! You are building "Glory Days" and memories of a kinder, friendlier world that these children will take with them throughout their lives. You probably have changed a few lives along the way - maybe even your own.
BENEFITS FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED:You don’t have to be Peyton Manning or Larry Bird to benefit from sports! All skill levels are welcomed and involved – in all levels of abilities and all the challenges.
When youth sports programs are run with the needs and best interests of the participants in mind, there are many potential positive outcomes. Here is a list of a few benefits of youth sports involvement:
- Youth sports can be a fun and enjoyable experience for all involved. Surveys have shown that having fun is a primary reason why children are motivated to participate in sports.
· Sports provide an arena for youth to be physically active. We are all probably well aware of the obesity epidemic occurring today and the need to emphasize health and fitness in children. Studies have found that children who play sports spend less time in sedentary pursuits, such as television watching, and this can translate to a healthier lifestyle both now and in the future.
· Being physically active provides important health benefits. Children who are more active will have a better body composition (less body fat), stronger bones, greater muscular strength, and better endurance. Physical activity has also been linked to lessening symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is important to know that in terms of health benefits, it may be necessary for a child to participate continually in one sport each sports season to see physical fitness benefits over youth participating in sports in one or no sports seasons each year.
· Participation gives youth the opportunity to learn a variety of motor and sports-related skills such as running, jumping, kicking, throwing, etc.
· A n enjoyable experience in sports as a youth can lead to lifetime participation in sports and lead to an active lifestyle as an adult.
· When a child is both psychologically and physically ready to participate, sports participation can give the child an opportunity to develop self-competence in their skills, self-esteem, and moral competence.
· Sports provide an opportunity to learn social skills and make friends.
· Participation gives participants the opportunity to experience the challenge of competition.
· Team sports give youth a chance to feel part of a team or be affiliated with a team.
· Sport participation may be a deterrent for delinquent behaviors. |
