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There have been a lot of negative things said about kids’ sports in recent years. While some of those criticisms have validity, there are always going to be two sides to every coin. Unfortunately, that means hearing less and less about the good things that sports provide.

So, if you have been on the fence about letting your child partake in after school sports, there are many benefits to be had. Here are just a few of the more noteworthy ones.

Improves Health

Most importantly, it keeps them active. Childhood obesity is a major issue in the United States and keeping kids active has become more of a challenge than ever before.

By keeping kids in afterschool sports, you get them active and moving. Not only that, but sports have been proven to increase social competence, self-esteem, and even academic performance. Part of that comes down to enhancing their physical conditioning and maintaining normal weight.

Stress Relief

Kids face a great deal of stress with their academic responsibilities. So, they need to have ways to burn off stress other than staring at a screen. Playing sports is an excellent way to burn off some of the stress accumulated throughout the week.

Exercise helps to release natural substances within the body such as serotonin and dopamine that help to improve a child’s sense of well-being. Moreover, it is a way for them to get together with friends to get away from academic pressure.

Encourages Teamwork

Perhaps the biggest benefit of sports is that it helps them to build relationships and work as a team. Being in a team sport is a great way to show them how to work toward a shared goal. That will most likely not stop going into adult life and learning the foundations of teamwork is essential.

It also encourages the development of relationships. Some of the longest-lasting friendships are developed through a shared interest in a sport or playing together on the same team. Those relationships are crucial in the development of children.