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After-school sports are a win for kids

Aug. 20, 2026—Playing sports can be a fun way for kids to get the exercise they need. But that's not the only benefit. Sports participation helps set up kids for success in many areas of their lives.

A win for their well-being

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and other health authorities, sports participation can have meaningful, positive effects on a child's physical and mental health. And it's linked to better academic performance as well as improved life and social skills.

That's true whether the sport is organized by a school or by a community organization, such as a local league. And kids reap the rewards whether they play just for fun or for competition.

Here's a look at how sports participation can help kids.

Physical health

Just like any exercise, playing a sport helps kids stay fit and healthy.

Among other benefits, sports participation can help kids:

Build strong muscles and bones.
Improve their flexibility.
Increase their cardiovascular fitness, including their resting heart rate.
Reach and keep a healthy weight—kids who play sports burn more energy through the day than those who don't.

Mental health

Playing sports can help support a child's emotional well-being in a variety of ways. For example, young athletes may have:

Less anxiety and depression.
Lower stress.
Better self-esteem and confidence.
Stronger friendships.
Greater life satisfaction.
A reduced risk of substance abuse and other risky behaviors, such as smoking cigarettes and carrying weapons.

Youth sports have even been linked to increased creativity!

Academic performance

Kids who play sports may be more likely than kids who don't to have higher grades and test scores and improved graduation rates.

According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association, student athletes:

Score higher on tests—by as much as 40%.
Have better high school grade point averages (GPAs).
Are more likely to stay in school and go on to college.

Recent research has also found links between playing sports and boosted brain power, reports the ACSM. In a 2025 study, young athletes scored higher on measures of cognitive performance than their non-athlete peers. They also had better language comprehension.

Life and social skills

Playing sports helps kids learn skills that may serve them well in their future careers. It teaches discipline and dedication, teamwork, and social skills and responsibilities.

In addition, young athletes learn about:

Goal setting.
Time management.
A strong work ethic.
Leadership.
Personal responsibility.
Self-control.

What's more, kids who play sports are more likely to be active young adults—and keep reaping all of these benefits for years to come.

Is your child ready for a team sport?

Age isn't the only factor. You'll want to choose the right sport at the right time for your child.

Sources

American College of Sports Medicine. After-School Sports Linked to Better Academic, Mental and Physical Health in Children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before and After School Physical Activity.
National Athletic Trainers' Association. The Benefits of Sports.
National Federation of State High School Associations. The Parent Perspective: Athletics Infographic.
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. Organized Sports as a Pathway to Lifelong Health and Well-Being.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Benefits of Youth Sports.