By participating in different types of sports, teenagers and children learn how to compete later on in the real world. As they grow older, they will be facing competition in school, work, and other areas. Being involved in competitive sports helps kids how to be included in a friendly environment where they can be themselves. The three main skills learned are: Leadership, Teamwork, and Sportsmanship. When a kid first starts playing a sport, their attitude might not be the best example for others. Parents helping their children would benefit very much in this situation by talking with them about how it’s always a little bit hard in the beginning and that circumstances gradually get better by maybe even sharing some of their own experiences. After a month or two, when you once again walk onto the field, you would be seeing and hearing the encouragement kids shout to each other when they’re playing a game or even just practicing.
I think sportsmanship is knowing that it is a game, that we are only as good as our opponents, and whether you win or lose, to always give 100 percent. - Sue Wicks