Sports participation provides numerous benefits to children's development. Approximately 20-45 million American children play organized sports. Sports improve children's physical and mental health by increasing self-esteem, controlling weight, and reducing stress and anxiety. They also teach important social and life skills like discipline, leadership, cooperation and respect. Athletes tend to perform better academically than other students and acquire traits through sports that help them in college and careers. Most importantly, playing sports is just fun and a great way for children to spend their time with friends and family.

1. WHY KIDS SHOULD PLAY SPORTS! Courtney Phillips

2. INTRODUCTION… ACCORDING TO MARIENNE ENGLE… “Sports participation is a major factor in the development of most American children.About 20 million American children ages 6 through 16 play organized out-of-school sports, and about 25 million youth play competitive school sports. 30 to 45 million kids ages 6 through 18 participate in at least one school or community-based athletic program.” Unknown to some parents sports influence several factors in children's’ lives that are detrimental to the well being of the child.

3. HEALTH--mentally ACCORDING TO CDC…. Increases self esteem relieves depression and stress

4. HEALTH--physically ACCORDING TO CDC…. Controls weight Improves strength and endurance Healthy bones and muscles Reduces anxiety Improves blood pressure Improves cholesterol levels

5. SOCIAL—responsibility Self discipline Leadership roles Trust Respect cooperation According to “Youth Sports in America”, sports teach kids the moral requirement to be a law abiding citizen.

6. SOCIAL--friends Coping skills Patience with different kinds of people Friendship skills Interaction Friends and groups with same interest..place in society or school

7. COMMUNITY Great community skills, team skills Learn how to work together Take leadership when needed to help Motivation to work hard

8. ACADEMIC--performance Motivation to work hard Problem solving and strategic abilities Time management along with self discipline Never give up According to 2002 study, “Sociology of Education”, athletes performance academically was higher than any other students in different extracurricular activities.

9. ACADEMIC--future Scholarships give students a chance for college. All acquired traits through sports follow into college and career. Looks better on resume and applications.

10. ITS JUST FUN! Not only learn great traits but have a lot of fun as well. Not only fun to play, but fun to interact and make friends. Good way to have fun with the family, make family proud. Spend time away from home, learn about different places. (travel) Get out of the house, not sit around watching tv!

11. CONCLUSION Unknown to some parents, sports help children in numerous ways. Sports create opportunities for kids in life that can create a great future for them. They also help to make your child healthy and generate some self-confidence. Kids should be involved in sports for obvious reasons which conclude to the well being of a child.

12. BIBLEOGRAPHY http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/sports_kids_pathway_healthy_development_or_unhealthy_competition http://parenting.families.com/blog/10-benefits-of-playing-sports http://www.your-sportsmans-warehouse.com/?page_id=18