Why get kids into youth sports? Today, there are more answers than ever. It’s no secret that athletics can offer kids the exercise they need to thrive. But now, experts suggest sports can set children up for success in almost every aspect of life.
In fact, youth sports are so transformative that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has made increasing the number of young athletes a policy initiative. Their Healthy People 2030 campaign aims to achieve a 23% increase in the number of kids in youth sports by 2030.
Read on to learn 5 reasons why the experts agree that youth sports are critical to healthy development!
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1. Physical Health Benefits
The Center for Disease Control recommends that children get active for at least one hour daily. Sports help kids develop strong bones, muscles, and cardiovascular health while reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, young athletes are far more likely to stay active as adults; Youth sports set children up for a lifetime of healthy living.
2. Mental Health Benefits
Youth sports can support your child’s mental health. Participation in sports improves self-esteem and confidence as young athletes develop their skills and grow amongst their respective teams. According to a 2020 study by the Office of Disease Prevention, youth sports also decrease the risk of depression and anxiety. Sports offer support, fellowship, and a healthy and effective outlet that young athletes can rely on.
3. Social and Intrapersonal Skills
Team sports offer the perfect environment for children to develop invaluable social and intrapersonal skills like teamwork, leadership, and relationship building. In addition, sports can teach young athletes how to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and collaborate toward common goals. These essential interactions will help them become champions on the field and lay the groundwork for healthy relationships in all facets of life.
4. Improved Academic and Career Prospects
Kids involved in youth sports are also more likely to succeed in the classroom and the working world. Sports teach children concentration, time management, discipline, and many other skills. In fact, the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Report reports that children who participate in sports score 40% higher on test scores, are 15% more likely to go to college, and go on to receive 7-8% higher earnings than their peers. Moreover, a study published by EY found that 94% of female executives have played sports.
5. A Vibrant and Supportive Athletic Community
In addition to the seemingly limitless personal benefits of playing sports, young athletes also have the opportunity to become a part of close-knit communities and form friendships that can last a lifetime. That’s why our mission to transform lives and build community through sports, fitness, and play are closely related; sports have the incredible power of bringing people together.
Sports Programs at Asphalt Green
Asphalt Green offers a comprehensive range of sports programs, including first-class instructional classes, recreational leagues and select competitive teams for all ages and skill levels. Our sports include our renowned Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics swim team (AGUA), Asphalt Green Soccer Club, basketball, volleyball, tennis, flag football, water polo, and plenty more.
In addition, we expand access to high-quality sports programs through our free and low-cost Community Sports Leagues that to date have served more than 20,000 NYC public school students.
Explore our entire collection of sports programs below to ensure your kids can experience all the transformative benefits of youth sports!