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Though there are critics who would argue against youth sports, there are more than a few benefits that can profoundly impact the lives of those who play. No, that is not including the select few who go on to be professionals.

There are plenty of important reasons why youth sports can be an essential part of growing up. They have a physical and emotional impact on the youth of America and abroad in more ways than most people realize.

Reducing Substance Use Risk

Physical activity, team sports in particular, have been shown to strengthen the resistance in a person to resist substance use. Students who exercise regularly, for instance, are far less likely to smoke cigarettes, use marijuana, or abuse other drugs.

Those students also tend to make healthier decisions in general. Moreover, they are surrounded by coaches and teammates who can aid them in making those healthy decisions.

Brain Development

Exercise is not only good for the body, but it is good for the mind as well. There is not only an increase in dopamine, but in other neurochemicals that inspire feelings of well-being and decrease the risk of depression and anxiety.

By playing team sports, it can have a positive impact on the chemical production of the brain, leading to a happier and healthier brain development.

Inspiring Teamwork and Camaraderie

Another major benefit of playing youth sports is the sense of togetherness. Being on a team brings several people together for the accomplishment of a single goal. It encourages participation, teamwork, and working toward said goal.

Being on a team also develops a sense of camaraderie. Ask professional athletes what they miss most after retirement and they will more often than not say it was the camaraderie of the locker room. When working together often to achieve a shared goal, there is that sense of “going through something” together.

That is not even touching on the loyalty, perseverance, and dedication that team sports can offer. There are more than a few reasons why youth sports are important to the development of our kids.