For parents who never participated in athletics in their school years, they may be unaware of the important benefits of sports for their children. Everyone knows that exercise is excellent for the body, but there are many benefits you may never have realized that youth athletes gain. Today, the St. Cecelia team will discuss the ways that team sports help teach adolescents accountability, dedication, leadership, and much more.

Student-Athletes Tend to Excel Academically

Some parents get the wrong idea about their children playing sports. Many don’t want their children to get distracted from their studies with games and regular practices. However, many student-athletes tend to do better academically than their non-athlete counterparts. 

Team sports and athletic competitions require important skills, like memorization and mental flexibility, that directly translate to the classroom. Athletes are familiar with the idea that they need to work hard to accomplish their goals on the field, and they show a determination to succeed that can take them very far academically.

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Physical Activity Reduces Stress

Stress is an epidemic in schools today. One of the best ways to deal with stress is through physical exertion and exercise. Practice will quickly turn into ‘therapy’ for your child and give them an outlet to burn off frustration and nervous energy.

In addition, teammates and coaches become a social safety net that can support your child during stressful times. Shared experiences and cooperation help to forge strong friendships, and athletic teams are one of the best ways to nurture these skills. 

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Sports Help to Boost Self-Esteem

We develop self-esteem in many ways. One of the most effective ways is setting goals and working hard to achieve them. The realization that your hard work paid off is incredibly empowering. Student athletes get to experience this more than most, as they work to develop skills that turn into tangible results on the playing field. 

Join the Team at St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School

At St. Cecelia, we know the many benefits of athletics your student will experience, not only during their time with us but throughout their lives. We offer several sports for our students to join throughout the school year. To learn more about our athletic programs, please visit our athletics page online.