Children who play competitive sports get more out of it than a love of athletics. There are many benefits – both physical and mental benefits – for active children and teens who are involved in sports on any level. Competition in sports is a healthy way for students to get exercise and the activity itself can help kids to mature in many ways. Even kids who are not athletic can benefit from sports.

Physical Benefits of Competitive Sports for Teens

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in many areas of the world. According to the Center for Disease Control in the article "Childhood Overweight and Obesity" on its website, the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that around 17 percent of children and teens ages two to 19 are obese. Getting children involved with sports from a young age is an easy and fun way to combat obesity and help children and teens maintain a healthy weight and body image.

There are also many other benefits aside from weight control that result from playing sports. Most competitive sports, from dancing to football, require a level of agility and coordination that may otherwise take years to develop. Sports can help youth develop greater coordination and muscle control at an earlier age.