Participation in sports is often seen as a good thing by most parents. In addition to offering children a chance to exercise, organized sports also give children the opportunity to socialize and take an active role in their health and self-image. Sports typically help kids academically and socially as well. The benefits are the same whether or not your child actually excels at the sport. Although if they are really good they will probably want to continue playing when they are older.

Read on for ten ways playing sports and can benefit your child.

1. Playing sports is fun. It gives your child something to do and a group to belong to. They have a group of friends that has the same goals and interests.
2. Research has found that kids that play sports, especially girls, are more likely to have a positive body image and higher self-esteem. They also are less likely to be overweight.
3. Kids involved in sports are less likely to take drugs or smoke because they realize the impact that these destructive activities can have upon their performance.
4. Physical activities are a good way to relieve stress and reduce depression.
5. Sports help kids develop discipline. They learn to set goals and then work to achieve those goals. They learn that by working hard they can accomplish the things that they want to in their lives.
6. Kids who play sports quickly learn that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. They learn to be a good sport in both situations. It also helps them learn to deal with disappointment and go on.
7. Statistics show that kids who are involved in sports while in high school are more likely to experience academic success and graduate from high school.
8. Sports help develop teamwork and leadership skills. Kids quickly learn that they have to work together as a team to win the game.
9. Motor skills, strategic thinking, and even math skills are learned by playing sports. Students develop strategic thinking as they figure out plays and the best way to get around a player or score a goal. Math skills are used as they calculate scores and stats.
10. Regular exercise increases quality of life. Children who exercise are more likely to continue the practice into adulthood.