Memphis Youth Athletics is proud to be a non-profit organization that brings exercise to children and teens in the greater Memphis area. We believe introducing your child to sports is more than just a life hack to ensure they’ll actually be tired at bedtime—though that is a nice plus for many parents! The benefits of youth athletics are plenty, and many of them last a lifetime.
Physical Health
First, let’s start with the obvious benefit — youth sports improve and support your child’s physical health! Childhood obesity in America is on the rise, with 1 in 5 children and adolescents suffering from it. Many factors contribute to why this is happening, including the intricacies of each individual life and circumstances. Still, one effective way to combat and prevent it is through youth sports, a fun and engaging solution to help kids stay active and healthy. By moving, running, and playing, they improve their strength, endurance, and flexibility* — all key components of healthy physical growth — while staying in shape (which, in turn, allows them to play more)!
Youth sports and other physical activities also positively impact your child’s cardiovascular and respiratory health. Every practice, game, meet, and match strengthens your child’s heart and lungs, aiding in proper development and reducing related health risks.
*If you’re worried that participating in youth sports might result in injury to your child, you might find comfort in knowing that the good flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance formed with youth sports can reduce your child’s risk of getting hurt!
Mental & Emotional Health
You’ve probably seen the “stupid mental health walk” videos on TikTok. They’re fun and silly videos that serve as an effective reminder to many that exercise and mental health are connected. Getting up and moving can help adults struggling with concerns like anxiety and depression. In a similar fashion, youth sports and exercise can play a significant role in the mental health and emotional well-being of children.
When kids play sports, their bodies release endorphins — those feel-good chemicals that boost mood and lower stress. This makes sports an excellent way for kids to manage anxiety and even mild symptoms of depression. They may not realize it, but every time they run, kick a ball or cross the finish line, they’re improving their mental health in a big way!
Social Skills & Teamwork
Another benefit of youth sports is developing better social capabilities and teamwork skills. When children join a team, they quickly realize that communication and cooperation are essential to achieving shared goals. Working with teammates teaches them how to listen, support others, and solve problems together — skills that they’ll carry with them off the field, court, or track and into everyday life.
Even without team tryouts or trophies on the line, kids can still experience the benefits of teamwork in solo youth sports. They can find other lovers of the sport in the community or join stress-free groups that host events to make friends, learn how to push each other to improve, celebrate each other’s progress, and work toward shared goals, like personal bests or group achievements. These experiences and connections help foster communication and mutual support, just like team members.
Building Confidence & Self-Discipline
Youth sports are a fantastic way to encourage two priceless traits in your tiny human that can have a massive influence on their life — confidence and self-discipline!
Every time they improve or do something awesome — like running a bit faster, learning a new pitch, or making a three-point throw — they start to see what they’re capable of. That sense of accomplishment boosts their confidence and makes them feel proud of what they can achieve.
Kids sports teach them that with a little effort and consistent dedication, they can do what seems impossible. By showing up to practice, following through on goals, and working hard, even when things get tough, they’ll learn the value of self-discipline and realize that sometimes you need a little focus and perseverance.
Academic Benefits
We’re not here to argue whether the stereotype of “dumb jock” that you see in a lot of movies and TV shows is true or not. However, it’s been proven that exercise can have a positive impact on a child’s academic performance. Studies show that children involved in sports often do better in school, thanks to the discipline, time management, and focus they pick up through regular practice and competition, all of which translate into better study habits and classroom performance.
But it’s not just about structure and routines. Physical activity has been proven to increase blood flow to the brain, which leads to more nerve connections. By getting the “juices flowing,” so to speak, children can enjoy a boost in memory and problem-solving skills.
Who knew that a little bit of time away from the screens releasing pent-up energy could help the young students in your family ace their tests?
Lifelong Healthy Habits
When children start exercising regularly at a young age, it becomes a natural part of their routine. This early foundation of fitness can carry over into adulthood, helping them maintain an active lifestyle well into their later years and decrease their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns commonly developed in adulthood.
Plus, the abilities your kids build in youth sports — like commitment, perseverance, social skills, leadership, and goal-setting — lay the groundwork for making healthier choices as they grow older.
Get Your Child Active With Memphis Youth Athletics!
At Memphis Youth Athletics, we’re committed to helping kids in Memphis and surrounding areas grow into strong, confident, and healthy individuals through the power of youth sports. Whether they’re a new athlete just getting started or an already passionate runner, our programs offer a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Interested in joining or supporting our cause? Check out our youth programs or volunteer opportunities!
