Justin Orlando of Monroe, Connecticut is a graduate of UCONN, youth football coach and avid fitness instructor. Beyond the thrill of competition, Justin Orlando recognizes the profound and lifelong impact that organized sports can have on young individuals. In the following article, Justin explains the myriad benefits that span far beyond the playing field. From physical health to character development, and even academic prowess, youth sports are a testament to the invaluable lessons and advantages that young athletes carry with them throughout their lives.

Every year, more than 45 million children in the U.S. play organized sports.

That’s not great news.

Justin Orlando of Monroe says that in recent years, interest in youth sports has steadily dipped. In 2018, 38% of 6- to 12-year-olds regularly played on an organized team. That’s down 10% from just a decade before.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, one study found that nearly half of families in the U.S. reported that their community-based youth sports programs either functioned with minimal funding and coaching staff or ended entirely.

By the time the pandemic slowed, it seems, many children had simply lost interest. That’s certainly not good for the short term but dwindling youth sports participation has clear ramifications for the long term.

Justin Orlando of Monroe Dives into the Benefits

Playing organized sports doesn’t just give children something to do, and it’s not just great exercise. Yes, children tend to have better heart and lung health, stronger bones, and a healthier body mass index, but the health benefits appear to stick around.

Physically active youth are usually healthier adults. Medical studies have shown that, since it lowers the immediate risk of developing obesity and heart disease, participating in youth sports also reduces the risk of chronic health issues throughout one’s life and less money spent on healthcare.

Justin Orlando of Monroe also notes that regular exercise through youth sports may help children live better since it improves mind-body coordination. That means as adults, they may have refined agility and balance, reducing the risk of serious injuries or falls.
Other lifelong health benefits of youth sports include:

• Lowered chance of risky behavior

Justin Orlando of Connecticut explains that peer pressure is very real, especially as children journey into young adulthood. Since youth sports typically increase self-esteem and improve body image, teenagers who play sports are generally less likely to engage in harmful behaviors, such as excessively drinking and using drugs.

• Improved mental health

A 2022 national study of children between the ages of 9 and 13 found that participating in team sports is linked to fewer mental health issues.

That can partially be explained by exercising fundamentally lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing the body’s levels of mood-elevating chemical serotonin. But playing sports also boosts confidence and leads to a strong sense of accomplishment by contributing positively to a team.

Justin Orlando of Connecticut also reports that other studies have shown that sports participation lowers depression and anxiety rates, reduces suicide risk, and elevates creativity. It also tends to increase general life satisfaction.

• Educational success

While playing youth sports doesn’t automatically ensure a successful educational experience and a great career path, it does teach children valuable lessons about dedication, discipline, and responsibility, all of which are skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Justin Orlando of Connecticut notes that balancing sports with schoolwork also hones skills such as work ethic, time management, and setting goals. One study found that sports activity leads to improved cognitive skills for children in kindergarten through fourth grade.

According to Project Play, part of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program, goal-setting skills developed in sports translate well to the classroom and may be one reason why athletes in high school are more likely than some of their peers to attend and graduate college.

• Better handling of emotions

The benefits of sports don’t just come from winning games. Losing games and learning how to deal with loss positively is just as important. Participating in youth sports helps children develop good sportsmanship and better approaches to coping with pressure and helps build emotional control. In the future, those who play youth sports are often better equipped to handle obstacles and serious challenges as adults.

• Greater community connection

Justin Orlando of Connecticut says that team sports are a fantastic way for children to make friends or interact with people they perhaps may not have been able to before. Sports help children get to know a range of people from school but also from their wider community. These are friendships that have the potential to continue off the field and last for a lifetime.

The connection to one’s community becomes strong. Youth may meet coaches or officials who become mentors or serve as additional outlets to share struggles. Youth who participate in sports may be more inclined to become even more active in the community and many become volunteer coaches as young adults or parents.