Sports are more than just a game. They serve as valuable pieces for life lessons and skills to be learned. Benefits that come from sports are numerous and cannot be quantified. Many children across the globe grow up playing some sort of game. It does not matter how rich or poor they are. Everyone can gain something from competing.

1. Hard Work Pays Off

Perhaps this is the most important aspect of playing a sport. If you want to become better at something, work at it. The reality of what you put in, is what you get out is all true. This can be applied to any faucet of a person's life. Whether it be with work, relationships or personal hobbies.

2. Friendships Are Formed

The people you compete alongside while playing a sport, often times, go on to be your best friends. Bonds are formed that nobody else can understand because of all that you have been through together. So, even though you might not go on to be a professional, you will have built relationships that will last a lifetime.

3. You Learn Respect

Every sport has rules that must be followed and officials that enforce said rules. In every discipline there are consequences for breaking the rules. Sports teach us from a young age to respect the game or you will be penalized.

4. It Builds Character

Losing is never fun. But learning to lose with class most certainly is an essential skill if you are to succeed in life. You will not always win. You will not always get your way. Sports are the best way in which to learn this.

5. Teaches You The Importance Of Fun

Having fun is something everyone must do if they are to enjoy life. What better way to learn this, than by playing a game. Because as we all know, games are meant to be fun. If you aren't having fun, than what is the purpose of doing it?

6. It Keeps You Out Of Trouble

Growing up, you experiment with different things and people. You try finding yourself and your unique identity. The people you are around start to shape you as a person and the experiences begin to define you. Sports are a great place to be around positive influences and around people who share the same goal as you.

7. Leadership Skills Are Gained

No matter what career or occupation you hold, some semblance of leadership skills will be required. There is no better opportunity to work on becoming a leader than by playing sports. It teaches to lead by example, not just rhetoric.