A team sport is one that requires 2 or more players to participate. A team must play the game together in order to win (although there are some sports that may be considered team sport but do not involve opposing teams or scoring points such as mountaineering).
Participating in a Team sport helps children build friendships and social skills. It can also help them learn how to work with others and problem solve. In fact, research has shown that kids who play team sports often perform better on cognitive tests than their non-athletic peers.
The social component of team sports also encourages children to be supportive of one another. They must learn to put the needs of the whole team ahead of their own, and this skill translates into the classroom, at work, and in their family life.
Physically, team sports increase muscle mass and endurance. They also improve cardiovascular and respiratory function and boost blood circulation. They can even burn calories and reduce fat. And they’re fun!
Team sports instill a sense of belonging in children that they don’t get from other extracurricular activities. They also teach kids how to deal with competition, something they will likely encounter at school, in their chosen profession, and in life. In a competitive world, it’s important that kids are prepared to handle setbacks and keep pushing forward towards their goals. The lessons learned through team sports effortlessly accomplish this. And, on top of all that, they just plain make you feel good!