The Many Benefits of Teens Joining Team Sports

As the school year kicks off, you have probably noticed the buzz around fall sports tryouts. Maybe you are wondering if your teen should join a team, or maybe they are already begging to sign up.

It’s normal to have questions about how team sports might affect their grades or overall well-being. Sure, adding another extracurricular can feel like a lot, but there are many fantastic social and developmental upsides to getting involved in a team sport. While both individual and team sports have their perks, let’s dive into some of the unique benefits that come from being part of an organized team.

So, what can your teen gain from joining a team? Here are five awesome benefits of participating in team sports!

5 Amazing Benefits of Teens Joining Team Sports 

Improved Teamwork Skills

When children and teens join team sports, they quickly learn the importance of working with others. Team members must collaborate, communicate, and leverage each other’s unique strengths to achieve a shared goal. Through practices and games, teens develop both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, learning how to express themselves clearly and respectfully—essential abilities that will serve them throughout life.

Improved Executive Functioning

Executive functions are like the brain’s command centre, responsible for problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Team sports provide a unique environment for sharpening these skills. Athletes must process information rapidly, make split-second decisions, and manage their emotions on the fly. For example, a soccer player needs to constantly assess their own position, their teammates, opponents, and potential plays. The mental workout involved in team sports is a powerful way to boost executive functioning.

Academic Improvements

Some parents worry that sports might distract their teens from academics, but research shows there are actually many academic benefits. Teens who participate in organized sports often have better attention spans, improved working memory, and stronger academic performance. The executive functioning skills honed on the field translate directly to the classroom, helping student athletes manage their time, juggle responsibilities, and stay on top of schoolwork. Participation in sports is also linked to fewer missed school days!

Increased Self-Esteem and Sense of Belonging

Belonging to a team can have a profound impact on a teen’s self-esteem. Accomplishments achieved together with teammates foster confidence and create a sense of community. This supportive environment — comprised of teammates, coaches, and family — helps teens feel valued and connected, further strengthening their sense of self-worth.

Improved Mental Health

Unsurprisingly, participating in regular physical activity, whether in team sports or in individual sports, is associated with many mental health benefits. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins: natural mood boosters. The structure and routine provided by organized sports help to keep teens active and engaged. Studies consistently show that physical activity can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression while improving attention and overall mood.

Here at Toronto Counselling Centre for Teens, we work with many young athletes who engage in both recreational and high levels of sport. We are there to help them navigate their mental health and well-being, not only in relation to the sports they are playing, but in all areas of their life.