There is a lot of complaining about the price and risks of sports for children, but so many kids still play them. The reason: the benefits of sports far outlasts the negatives.

According to muhealth.org, “Organized, well-structured youth sports and ongoing physical activities can provide many benefits for children and adolescents. Positive experiences that sports and an active lifestyle bring play an important role in a young person’s life.” This website goes on to talk about the mental and physical effects of athletics. Sports teach kids both teamwork and problem solving skills along with reducing stress and boosting self-esteem. Sports offer many teaching moments and something to focus on other that the stress of life.

According to dsr.wa.gov.au, the physical benefits from sports can help you throughout your life even after sports. The sports can help you maintain a healthy weight along with gain muscle mass and stay in shape. The whole atmosphere surrounding kids and sports is positive. Sometimes kids will get hurt, but NFL all-star Julio Jones says that it is worth the risk. “The experience of being out there is worth every injury I’ve had,” said Jones.

Playing sports teaches kids motivation. They are motivated to get better at the sport and to get better grades so they are academically eligible to play.

What the sports are able to give our youth is something special. It helps them both develop and grow into the real world. As previously stated, there will be risks, but what in life doesn’t have risks? The benefits of sports help children more than we realize while allowing them to have fun.