Facts on Youth Sports

According to Michigan State University, youth sports can aid in the physical, psychological and social development of young people, leading to healthier, more positive lifestyle as an adult.

Benefits

Michigan State University reports a number of benefits from participation in youth sports, including the learning of motor skills such as catching, running, jumping and hopping. Other benefits include a sense of belonging to a social group and acquiring skills that can be used in later years to maintain fitness levels.

Health

The Team Up For Youth organization reports that youths taking part in organized physical activities have a higher overall level of health, longevity and lower levels of obesity than those who do not play youth sports.

High School

The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Development (CIRCLE) reports the number of children taking part in high school sports in the U.S. rose from 5.3 million in 1990 to around 7 million in the 2004-05 school year.

Younger Children

Around a third of children aged between 9 and 13 participate in some form of organized physical activity, reports the Team Up For Youth organization.

Community

Research reported by CIRCLE states that youths who take part in youth sports have higher levels of engagement in their communities by participating in volunteer organizations and voting.

References

• Michigan State University: Research in Youth Sports
• Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Development: Youth Sports
• Team Up For Youth: Facts About Youth Sports & Health