Joining an athletic program at a young age can teach a lot, not only when aiming for an athletic career but other aspects of life.
Being active as a kid is essential for a long, happy, healthy life. I guess you knew that. But joining an athletic program at a young age does not only balance out all this sitting around in a classroom. It offers lots of components, some of which I cover in this blog post.
- It balances out stress in school.
I already mentioned the hours of sitting on a chair, which is stressful on its own. Bodies are meant to move throughout the day. Keeping this sitting position after school doesn´t set anyone up for health and well-being.
School is also there to learn, to concentrate, and to be present all the time. That´s tiering, and the best way to shake this off is to be active, ideally outside. After-school activities boost kids' moods, move their bodies, and clear their heads. That´s why good athletes are often also good students. School, by the way, is also good for athletes - they are not always thinking about the sport.
- Guided activities
School usually is over in the early afternoon. At that time, there are still some hours to fill until the end of the day. Having a kid join an athletic program limits the chances of creating bad habits or getting in trouble dramatically.
- Opens up opportunities
When I started joining xc-skiing training at the age of 6, neither my parents nor I had any idea what kind of life this could open up for me. Circumstances back in the day didn´t even show the possibilities sports have to offer these days. I did it because I had fun and my parents let me do it, because of the same reason. No one would have pointed at me when they were asked to guess who would medal at the Olympics. Not everyone joining a youth program must have an athletic life plan. But some in the program might be surprised about their future lifestyle, which started with joining an athletic program.
- Experiencing up and downs
A fulfilled life comes with a full spectrum of emotions. Sports is teaching those spectrums in a more dense setting. Even a 2-minute downhill ski can offer everything. A great start, with a tough middle section and a comeback in the third part of the course. Every day, game, competition, or race offers a new chance. A chance to win, to lose, and everything in between.
- Kids are not alone
And whatever happens, a kid in an athletic program is not alone. Even individual athletes are part of a team. This is good when being disappointed, to have teammates around to understand the kid's feelings. It´s also good when being very excited because happiness multiplies when sharing with others.
- It builds friendships
Joining after-school activities creates friendships. Kids are surrounded by kids with the same interests. Even when not everyone becomes friends with everyone, it still creates connection and, in many cases, deep friendship.
- Expanding connections and independency
When starting to travel nationally or internationally, kids have contact with so many more other kids, coaches, and parents than they usually would have, staying mostly in their living area. Traveling with different groups of kids and being away from home at a reasonable age boosts confidence and independency, which is huge for anything later in life.
These are, by far, not all the reasons to consider joining an athletic program at a young age.
When I initially said that moving as a kid is essential for a long, healthy, and happy life, it doesn´t stop there. Yes, we would need to keep moving as adults, but we are more likely to move as adults when we own athletic skills. It doesn´t only make it easier, but it´s also more fun to exercise. We are more likely to be active as adults when athletics is a part of our childhood. Since health is such a high value, higher than any medal, it´s almost necessary for every kid to join some sort of activity that includes movements.
Do you have a Dream? Keep going towards it :)
Related Articles:
WHAT DOES AN ATHLETE NEED TO SUCCEED?
Not just one thing makes successful athletes, but a few in combination. Get the list of THIRTEEN by signing up below.
If you are an athlete, please let your parents know you got this list.
