The Mycenaean

Every teenager should play a sport. 

Now I know some people will disagree with me on this opinion, but hear me out. Sports play a huge role in the lives of teenagers. They’re not just about competition and winning games. In fact, sports actually help teens stay healthy and develop many life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Teens participating in sports helps with many different factors, such as physical and mental health, developing discipline, and learning skills that are used in order to work with others and be successful in life.

Playing sports as a teen develops healthy habits of exercising and moving around. Starting off getting in the routine of exercising young is beneficial and will help people live a healthy lifestyle growing up.

Carter Hepp, sophomore, said, “I think teens should play sports. Even if they aren’t good at their sport and don’t want to become good or play at a high level, getting out there and participating is a good method to get exercise in a fun way.”

Sports not only help improve teens physical health, but their mental health as well. Physical activities release endorphins, which make people feel good and reduce stress and anxiety. Teenagers face a lot of stress and pressure in their everyday lives from school, friends, and family, and playing sports can be a great way to relieve that pressure and boost their mood.

Joey Pinder, sophomore, said, “Whenever I get on the basketball court, I forget all my problems and just focus on the game… I like to play basketball whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, it instantly makes me feel happier and in a better mood.”

Sports also teaches teenagers discipline, which tends to be a skill they lack. Athletes are required to stay in shape, put in practice, and learn healthy dieting habits. The only way to improve in a sport or any activity is to practice. This motivates teenagers to practice because their passion and desire to be the best in their sport drives them.

“Being an athlete requires you to have responsibilities and rely on yourself. You have to be disciplined, which will help later on in life,” Hepp said.

Sports also teach time management, which is an essential skill to learn. They will learn how to not procrastinate, and instead, be efficient with the time they have. They will have to balance schoolwork and home responsibilities, along with their practice schedule, games, and team responsibilities.

Sports are also a really good way for teenagers to learn the skill of teamwork and cooperation. Most team sports, like soccer, football, or volleyball, require players to work together to achieve a common goal. This helps teens learn to communicate and collaborate with one another– skills that are important in all aspects of life.

Chloe Fulk, sophomore, said, “I think every teen should play a sport because sports teach people essential, important skills that they will use all throughout their life in all ways. Sports teach responsibility, teamwork, communication and leadership, which are all crucial skills to know and have.”

In sports, people must develop leadership skills. Whether it’s becoming a team captain or simply taking charge during a game, sports give teens the chance to practice making decisions, motivating others, and leading by a positive example.

In life, leadership is an important skill to have. It is used in all situations that come up with work, with family, and with all moments that happen in life. Starting young at learning these skills will lead to more success in life and be extremely beneficial. 

Sports also let teenagers socialize and have a place where they can meet people with a common interest. Some teenagers struggle to connect with others and have a difficult social life at school, so having a place where they are a part of something with others gives them strong bonds, as well as people they can relate to.

Pinder says, “I have met some of my closest, life-long friends from sports throughout my life. The bond I have with these friends versus my friends outside of sports is so much stronger because we have been through many ups and down together.”

Sports are an essential part of a teenager’s life. They offer physical benefits, such as improved mental and physical health, as well as emotional and social benefits, such as learning important skills like teamwork, leadership, discipline, and responsibility. The skills gained through sports can help teenagers succeed not only in sports, but in many other areas of their lives, including school, work, and relationships. By participating in sports, teenagers learn valuable life lessons that will help them grow into successful and well-rounded adults.