Team sport involves players working together to achieve a common goal. They share responsibility, celebrate successes and cope with defeat. This builds social skills, including communication. It also teaches children to work well with others, respect their views and listen to them.
Boys learn that they have to put the needs of their team and the game above their own. This means they have to play smart – that might mean passing the ball to an open teammate rather than forcing a shot or running a pass assignment perfectly, even if their quarterback doesn’t throw it to them. It teaches them to be a good sport and to lose without grumbling or blaming.
It also teaches them that life isn’t always fair. It can take a long time to master a skill and there are often no shortcuts. It can be frustrating to practice hard and not see results quickly, but a good team player understands that their effort will eventually pay off.
Lastly, participating in team sports helps develop time management skills. They have to be able to balance the demands of training and games with school and other activities. This teaches them to prioritize and manage their time effectively, a skill that will be valuable in their careers and personal lives.