Competitive sports in school

Some people believe that competitive sports, both team and individual, have no place in the school curriculum. How far do you agree or disagree?

Perhaps no subject in contemporary society is as controversial as the matter of sports. Despite the fact that it plays an important role in a balanced education curriculum, it is commonly believed by some that there is no place in the syllabus for competition in sports. As opposed to this trend, I strongly hold a belief that competitiveness in youth sports is considered to be an effective way to improve not merely social skills but also emotional skills besides physical benefits, which are essential for teenagers in order to prepare for the next phases of life.

It should be first recognized that playing in a team helps students to develop a wide range of social skills they need for life. The case is true that sports teach them about teamwork, cooperation, and unselfishness. As a consequence, it helps them not only make new friends but also builds their social circle outside school. In addition, sports teach them to respect the rule of laws. It is evident that several studies have shown the relation between sports participant and crime reduction. It would be explained by the fact that adolescents with no hobbies or extracurricular activities usually engage in high-risk behaviors including physical abuse, substance abuse, and violence. All in all, sports play a crucial role in improving social skills in youth.

Apart from it, playing competitive sports can build emotional competencies. As a matter of fact, physical activities have been shown to stimulate brain chemicals, which leads to an effect on the sense of happiness. Playing sport regularly, therefore, improves children’s overall emotional wellbeing. Another evidence taken into account is that there is a connection between playing sport and self-esteem in youth. There is no doubt that the young athletes will feel confident and create peak performance in school when they receive the support of the team and the kind words from their trainers or parents.

Now the conclusion is self-evident with social skills and emotional skills related to sports competition in school. Most importantly, sports provide a place for young talents to grow, learn, and enhance their not merely physical skills but also social-emotional skills mentioned above. Thus, competitive sports should be kept in the educational program.