Team sport is not just a physical activity – it can have an effect on the mind and soul as well. Millions of children and adults participate in team sports – some for the obvious benefits like improved health, others for the less-obvious ones that have a long-term impact on a player’s life.

1. Teamwork

Working with a team of fellow athletes to reach a common goal will help your child to become adaptable, persistent and patient. They will also learn a sense of group and individual responsibility. Team athletes must respect their coaches and teammates, act unselfishly and make good decisions on behalf of the whole team. They also must work together to overcome challenges and learn from mistakes. 2. Patience
Being a team athlete requires patience as you wait for your turn to contribute to the game. Practicing this in the heat of competition will teach your child to remain calm under pressure and not over-exert themselves. This can be valuable when they are faced with stressors off the field such as a big exam or a presentation at work.

3. Self-esteem

Team sports offer a platform for your child to develop self-esteem and confidence. They will be surrounded by a supportive environment where they can practice their athletic skills, receive feedback and praise from their coaches and peers. They will gain a greater sense of self-worth when they achieve success in a sport and receive encouragement from their teammates. However, they will also know that they can be better next time and be able to handle their disappointments when things don’t go their way.

4. Critical thinking

In team sports, your child will be challenged every match to think on their feet and develop tactics to beat opponents. This will hone their critical thinking skills and allow them to be more proactive in problem-solving, which is something that can be beneficial for them both on the field and later in the workplace.

5. Social Networks

Working with a variety of people on a team will encourage your child to be a more effective communicator. They will need to express their concerns with teammates, coaches and parents and they will learn how to work together to get things done in a positive way. They will also form strong friendships with their teammates that could last a lifetime and have the benefit of knowing they have supportive social networks they can call upon for support both on and off the playing field.

6. Time management

Taking part in team sports will teach your child how to manage their time effectively. They will need to schedule their homework around training sessions, games and other commitments. This will also teach them the value of prioritising tasks and being organised which they can carry into the workplace. They will learn to say no to other activities if they have a game that evening and will be more likely to complete their schoolwork on time before they head off to practice.