It’s vital that growing teenagers stay fit and healthy. One of the best ways teenagers of all shapes and sizes can do this is by taking up a sport. But, which is best?
Well, helping them select the right sport for them will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Interests
- Ability levels
- What friends are doing
- Lifestyle choices (how healthy they are)
- Cost
Sport is great for encouraging a social life and meeting new friends. So, if you have a teenager who’s shy and retiring, then why not encourage them to try a team sport? This way, they can get healthier and make new friends at the same time. With this in mind, here are four team sports that teenagers can get involved in.
#1 Soccer
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has made soccer even more popular in the US. Already one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, it feels like soccer’s popularity is booming at the moment.
As a result, now is the perfect time for your teen to get involved in the sport. Plus, not only is it popular and fun to play, but soccer also encourages teamwork. After all, your son or daughter will have to play in a team that contains 10 other players.
As an added bonus, it’s a good choice for squeamish parents, as it’s largely non-contact.
#2 Rugby
If contact isn’t an issue for you, or your child enjoys the more physical side of sport, then let them try their hand at rugby union.
Still considered a more minor sport in America, rugby’s popularity is likely to soon explode. This is partially because the expanded fixture list now means the sport is played year-round. It’s also because rugby’s flagship tournament, the Rugby World Cup, is coming to America in 2031.
#3 Basketball
Got a son or daughter with a great leap, surprising athleticism, or a sudden turn of pace? Well, basketball may be the perfect sport for them.
Played in teams of five, basketball is great for kids who don’t love contact and also enjoy playing in small-sided games that don’t involve large groups. Plus, it’s also a great option for kids who don’t love spending hours in the gym pumping weights or hate playing out in the rain.
#4 Athletics
Finally, we’ll leave you with an individual sport that still contains a team element. If your child loves running, throwing, or jumping, it’s likely that there’s an athletic pursuit for them.
While you may think a lot of athletics involves spending time alone, most schools have athletics clubs where members of the team train together. So, even if your child has their own specialism, they’ll still be able to play with like-minded kids and make new friends.
As an added bonus, most US colleges now also offer scholarships in these sports. So, if your teen gets really good, then they may even receive a college education for free!
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right sport for your teenager can be demanding for different reasons. It is necessary to consider their abilities, interests, and preferences. However, encouraging participation in sports like rugby, basketball, soccer, or athletics can be beneficial in so many ways. It improves physical health fitness and teamwork, but it also helps teenagers make new friends. All these things contribute to a healthier and happier life.