Bird Fluera

Sports have become an integral part of our culture.  Thus, it is not surprising that more and more children become involved in sports every year.  Both in public and community agencies, children’s sports programs that involve baseball, soccer, football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and other activities, have grown to the extent that they have changed the shape of many children’s lives.

Participation in sports have both positive and negative consequences for children.  Children’s participation in sports can provide exercise, opportunities to learn how to compete, self-esteem, and a setting for developing peer relations and friendships.  However,  sports can also have negative outcomes for children: the pressure to achieve and win, physical injuries, a distraction from academic work, and unrealistic expectations for success as an athlete. Few people challenge the value of sports for children when conducted as part of a school physical education or intramural programs.  However, some critics question the highly competitive, win-oriented sports teams in schools and communities.