Why do we sign our children up for sports? There are a few answers to this often-asked question. It’s sort of a rite of passage for kids to wear the team uniform, pose for the pictures and hear their parents yelling at the ref from the sidelines. But when the weather is hot and the kids are in the minivan complaining that they’d rather go to the movies or eat ice cream, it’s hard to remember why we’re doing this.
Becoming a Team Player
It’s good for kids to play sports. It’s good for them to be healthy and active. It gives them an outlet for all that extra energy. And it teaches them valuable life lessons. I can think of three life lessons learned on the little league or soccer field.
Our children learn to be valuable members of a team. We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no I in team.” When we join a team, we are accountable to our teammates. This calls us to step up our game.
Our kids learn that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has things that they are especially gifted at and other things that they are not so great at. That’s part of being human. Working as a team means playing to each other’s strengths. Acknowledging our own strengths and weaknesses is the very first step.
Kids in sports learn that practice is a crucial step. Most people don’t show up to a new sport and just understand how to play. We all need to practice. Mastery comes when we are willing to put in the time. This is a tough lesson in our age of instant gratification.
I’m sure there are so many more things that can be learned on the playing field, but this is certainly a start.
Here’s to a great summer sports season!
A Winning Season Starts Right Here
Maybe looks aren’t everything, but making your team look great is part of your job as a coach. We can help you with an awesome team banner or event tent. Visit our website for more details, and may the best team win!
~Tony Johnson