Did you know that Little League dates back to 1938 when an oil company clerk arranged a baseball game for local pre-teens? It’s incredible that the league is still going after almost 100 years against all odds.
But its longevity proves that there is great value in signing your child up for Little League games. In fact, there are tons of benefits to playing the sport and almost no downsides.
Not sure what they are? Here are the top ones that will prove why your children should join Little League!
1. Form of Physical Activity
Children need around 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Gym classes might take care of one or two hours each week, but what about the other five? Playing in a Little League team is a great solution.
Sports for children are also a fun way to ensure your child gets more exercise. They’re less likely to become overweight and exercise will strengthen their muscles and bones.
2. Builds Teamwork and Friendship
Learning how to be a team player is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. The younger your child learns it, the better at it they will be.
Good team players know how to communicate and interact with others. They learn how to share a win and console others during a loss.
Classes and sports for kids are also great places for your child to mix with other kids outside of school and make new friends. This is easier to do in team sports, like Little League, than it is in solo sports like track and field.
3. Leads to Other Fun Hobbies
Your child should explore many different interests and passions to figure out what excites them. Playing in Little League could lead to a keen interest in watching baseball and playing other sports. It could also lead to a hobby of collecting baseball pins, trading cards, and visiting museums.
4. Improves Cognition and Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is not something your child will gain as a natural part of growing up. They need to develop it, as well as their cognitive function.
There are lots of activities that can improve your child’s coordination e.g. video games and drawing. But if they play Little League, they will be spending more time outside and less time looking at screens.
5. Teaches Good Sportsmanship
Being a loser is never fun, but being a sore winner isn’t a good quality either. By playing Little League, your child will learn how to take a graceful loss and a humble win. They will learn that, as long as they have fun, then they’re always a winner.
Plus, it’s better to learn these lessons now in a low-stakes environment. You don’t want your child to get to college and throw a hissy fit when they flunk a test!
Playing Little League Leads to Big Benefits
These are only some of the benefits of playing Little League. Once you sign up your child to the local team, you’ll no doubt stumble across many others.
Want to learn more about team-building activities and self-improvement? Browse our website for lots of expert advice!
