The Positive Effects of Playing Sports in School

Kids who are active in school sports are fitter, have healthier body weights and are more confident. The risk of blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and other chronic diseases is lower among physically active people, which makes it all the more important for children to appreciate the importance of physical activity at a young age.

Improved Social Skills

Participation in school sports provides a sense of belonging and being part of a team or group. You interact with your peers in a friendly manner. You learn to consider the interests of your teammates and to practice mutual respect and cooperation. You work together, share time and other resources, take turns to play and learn to cope with success and failure as a team. These interactions facilitate bonding and lasting friendships with your schoolmates, which can help make children more sociable and outgoing as they grow.

Better Health

Pastimes such as Internet, television and computer games can make children sedentary and increase the risk of obesity. Children who do not participate in sports or other physical activities are more likely to grow up to be inactive adults. Participation in school sports supports the healthy growth of the heart, lungs, muscles and bones. It also improves agility, coordination and balance. Exercise also helps reduce stress levels, anxiety and behavioral problems. Regular physical activity helps you relax better and reduces muscular tension.

Lower Risk of Negative Influences

Youth who participate in sports are less likely to commit crimes, says the Australian Sports Commission. Engaging in sports reduces the amount of unsupervised free time on your hands and prevents boredom. This makes options such as smoking, drinking and drugs less appealing. According to the Women’s Sport Foundation, girls who play sports do better at school and learn the importance of goal setting, strategizing and planning, all of which can be components of success in the workplace. They are also less likely to have sex or get pregnant at an early age, according to the Women's Sports Foundation.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

When you participate in school sports, you develop a variety of techniques and skills. You engage in friendly competition with your schoolmates, have an easier time maintaining a healthy body weight and have a lower risk of developing obesity. Boys and girls who play sports have more positive body images than those who are sedentary. When you play well and win games, you gain a sense of accomplishment, which helps shape self-esteem.