It’s often been said that it takes a village to raise a child and it’s to see why. While parents play an integral role in how their child is raised, their education at private schools such as middle schools and high schools also plays a vital role in the development of a child. Teachers, coaches, staff, and other community members such as clergy, neighbors, and close family friends all play important roles in how children mature into adults.
Similarly, while young students have access to a vast sea of knowledge found in a school library, there are many life lessons that can be learned through middle or high school basketball or other sports. Student athletes have the opportunity to learn important lessons in teamwork, leadership, loss, success, and determination by participating in extracurricular activities such as organized sports.
Parents are often concerned with how their student athletes will manage their coursework, other extracurricular activities, family life, and more all while participating in sports. However, several research studies have shown that student athletes are typically better able to manage their time compared to student who do not participate in sports. With having so many responsibilities and commitments to fulfill, student athletes quickly learn how to prioritize and other crucial time management skills.
Participating in sports is also an excellent way to prepare not just for college, buy for life in the real world as an adult. In addition to time management, student athletes can build character by working with their teammates towards a common goal. This promotes healthy communication and conversational skills that are important in the majority of professional fields. Of course, sports can also lead to partial or full ride scholarships to many colleges and universities.
Of course, participation in organized sports also allows student athletes to have fun in a safe, supportive, and positive environment. This also helps to build self esteem and a sense of belonging, both of which are crucial for developing children and young adults.