Why Kids Should Not Play Sports

The sun beats down on the grassy field as the whistle from the ref fills the players ears. Kids run around as parents cheer them on. Competitive sports are getting more and more popular with young kids. Although some people may say children should not play sports because of the risk of injuries, there are many reasons life skills that kids can learn from sports. First, they can learn personal skills and secondly they can learn social skills. The first reason adolescents should play competitive sports is that they can learn many personal skills. For example, “Sports: The Benefits of Competitive Athletic Sports Participation in Today's Sports Climate” states that “The hope is that through making the "right" choices the athlete develops a solid code of ethical standards they learn to follow, thus, supporting and
developing strong character and integrity within.” (Mango, 3) I included this to show how sports can teach kids how to build character. A second thing that children can learn from sports is how to become determined and work hard. “Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level” states, “Through competition, teens establish a solid work ethic that values practice and rewards determination.” (Chen, 3) The last personal skill that children can learn from sports is said in “What Are the Benefits of Competitive Sports for Youth?” It states, “Participating in sports teaches children and teenagers how to compete in the real world.” (Davis, 2) This shows that another skill kids can learn is competition. It is clear that sports can teach many valuable personal life skills. The second reason kids should play youth competitive sports is that it can teach them social skills.
They learn how to make friends while having fun competing. The author of “Sports: The Benefits of Competitive Athletic Sports Participation in Today's Sports Climate” writes that “Participating in sports gives athletes the ability to develop tight and lasting friendships with others who have common interests.” (Mango, 4) This shows how sports help children become friendly and more socially outgoing. One of my classmates met their best friend in their soccer camp. “Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level” says that “Teens competing in athletics are certainly exposed to opportunities to enhance their personal and social development…” This is included to prove that on many occasions, kids develop social skills by playing sports. Lastly, “What Are the Benefits of Competitive Sports for Youth?” states, “Teens who have positive influences and friends feel less of a need to participate in risky behaviors.” This quote shows how the friends that adolescents make playing sports can help them make good decisions and be good influences on
them.
Some critics may argue that kids should not play competitive sports because of the risk of injuries. Yes, there is a chance that people may get hurt but there are many more pros that should cancel this one con out. Like stated in “Sports: The Benefits of Competitive Athletic Sports Participation in Today's Sports Climate”, “These risks do not negate all the positives that can and do occur.” This shows that even though there is a chance something bad could happen, there are many more positive outcomes.
In conclusion, kids should be able to participate in youth competitive sports. They learn many life lessons including personal skills and social skills. People may argue against this statement because of all the injuries that occur, but as you can see there are many pros to these physical activities. With sports, people will healthier as well as happier.