Honestly, a lot of kids today are not active enough. They are being raised by their phones, scrolling the Internet for hours on end looking at God knows what. Parents and teachers and coaches and mentors need to make an effort to connect with the youth of today because they’re starving for attention and guidance. As a society, we have to support the next generation(s) because they’re the ones who’ll be in charge of us as we age, right? So what can be done for “at-risk youth,” you know, the kind of kids who have nothing to do after school? Youth sports are a great thing for kids of all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds.
The Benefits of Sport Programs for At Risk Youth
Youth sports have both immediate and long-term benefits for young people, as well as their families and communities. Playing a sport helps a kid with their mental, emotional and social health. Specifically, research has concluded that youth who participate in sports are less anxious and depressed and less stressed. They are less likely to become involved in self-destructive behavior– because their sport is something to do and something to look forward to and something to literally live for! Playing a sport helps increase a person’s self-esteem and confidence. You literally feel better after getting some exercise and being around others– it’s good for people of all ages.
Furthermore, bodies weren’t meant to sit all day staring at screens. The more a young person moves their body and sweats, the better– sports help improve bone health, build muscle(s), etc. Playing sports also reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes.
Basically, if you know of an at-risk youth who seems to have no respect for others, and no direction in life, what can you do? Introduce them to a sport. This will help them learn discipline and dedication. It also helps a young person learn teamwork, social skills, self-control, personal responsibility, time management and other things that will benefit them as they age.
Know a kid in Buffalo, New York who needs something to do with their time rather than just waste it? Have them join a basketball team– the details are here.
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