We can all agree that the thought of playing sports in school can seem overwhelming. Especially when you have papers to write, homework to complete, finals to take and ample more. While participating in a school sport or club may seem like more to add to your already full plate this school year, it comes with quite a few benefits.

First off,

playing a sport or joining a club requires an extensive amount of physical activity which overall promotes your well-being and increases your health. Being physically active is also known to reduce stress levels, which means you may just score a little higher on that next test you’re dreadfully nervous for.

Secondly,

getting involved in a sport allows you the opportunity to become a part of something greater than yourself, a team. Traveling with your team provides you with the chance to make new friends and to create a bond that will last a life time.

Thirdly,

being involved in a school sport makes for a wonderful incentive in keeping your school grades at the appropriate average. It can even encourage you to achieve higher goals set for yourself.

Fourth,

playing a sport creates a better understanding of the importance of teamwork and encourages good sportsman like conduct. This is an extremely important quality to have obtained and is essential in not only sports, but also in the work force, school yard, and even everyday life.

Lastly,

being involved in a school sport or club teaches each individual how to embrace diversity. Each team consists of varying personalities and some may even clash with those of others personalities. This instills the ever so important quality of accepting different personality types and the even more so important ability of getting along with them.

While playing a sport can seem like an unnecessary add on to your already hectic daily routine, it has more perks than draw backs. Playing a sport is among one of the greatest ways to become involved in your school and even in your community. It not only involves you physically but also emotionally and instills in you some of the most sought after qualities in everyday life. Getting involved is essential and most importantly- it’s fun! So take a deep breath, find your encouragement and go sign up for try outs, make the team, and kick butt! I promise it will be worth your while.