Why Everyone Should Play at Least One Sport Long-Term

P.E. in school has a reputation for being terrible. There seems to be a split between the athletic and the less so. Still, all have to participate, even if they hate it.

Sports have more value than just the face-value physical benefits. I think everyone should play a sport long-term.

Here’s why.

Breeds Competitiveness

Kids are smarter than we think. Despite our efforts to make them feel like they’re all wonderful and smart and skilled from a young age with participation awards and the like, they’re very well aware of their internal rankings. As they get older, they only become more aware. This scares the least skilled and motivated players away, while others become more competitive and work to surpass those above them. Competitiveness like this is easily translatable to other areas, and in a world where participation awards are not given out in real life, this is extremely valuable.

Teaches Commitment

Sports are a commitment. You have to go to practice, you might change your eating and sleeping habits before big games, you have to brave harsh weather. But you show up anyway. Maybe in the beginning it’s a parent pushing them to have this commitment, and that’s fine. Either it’ll eventually rub off, or they at least have an example of what commitment looks like.

Hard Work Means Something

If you listen to your coach, work hard in practice, and give every competition your all, you’ll see improvements. The harder you work, the better off you’ll be. This is another very transferable skill.

It’s Important to Support Others and to be Supported

Your coach is there for you, your teammates are there for you. Even in solo sports like tennis and skiing, your teammates are watching and cheering you on, offering encouragement before, during, and after you play. Likewise, you need to be able to show that same support to your teammates.

Not everyone is cut out to be an athlete, and not everyone is going to enjoy sports. I’m not saying everyone should drop what they’re doing and pursue a career as a pro athlete. I do think everyone should play at least one sport for at least three years straight. The benefits outweigh the negatives.