As a kid you start out playing a variety of different sports, mostly to choose which one you like the most. At the young age I starting playing softball, basketball and soccer. Playing a sport when growing up taught you how to deal with important life lessons, and some non important ones too.

Broken bones

I have been injured in every single sport I have every played, its just a way of life it seems. Getting hit with a softball even at a soft toss can be sure to give you bruises. Lucky me I got two bruises, well not exactly bruises but black eyes from the loss of blood. You guessed it, getting hit with a softball to the face is sure gonna break your nose. I'll always remember walking around with a cast on my nose on my birthday because of an overthrown softball.

Teamwork

Teamwork makes the dream work! One of my favorite sayings that definitely applies to every type of sport. Most sports are played well as an individual self as well as a team. As yourself, you have to work on your swing as well as work on your throw not only for distance but for aim, or practice shooting to make sure you get every shot you put up. As a team you need to talk to each other in the field, encourage others while up to bat, and sometimes cheer a teammate up when they are upset after a bad play. Teamwork is the most important thing in life, which you learn from sports.

Time management

As a kid there isn't much you have to do besides some homework. Playing a sport as you get older time management becomes more of a key factor. Juggling homework, school, practice, family, and friends along with many other things can be very tricky. Starting at a young age will allow you, as a player, to be better at time management and making your life a little easier.

Communication

Communication is a key factor is any relationship, but not only relationships with your significant other. Communicating with your coaches is very important. You need to talk with them if you are unable to make a practice, you need to talk with them about where you are playing, and even if you need advice on your skills. Communicating with your teammates is important on and off the field, especially to keep a good relationship with them.

Winning

Everyone loves winning. Winning teaches you to respect others and yourself. Winning boosts your confidence. Increases motivation. Winning becomes more important as you grow older.

Failure

Losing is something that no kid wants to go through, but as a result of losing better things can come from it. After losing a game it makes you want to work harder. It makes you want to be better next time.

Respect Authority

There are lots of adults that come together to teach a sport. There are coaches, parents, and officials that all have the upper hand. When playing a sport growing up you learn to respect these authorities because it is important to the game.

There are many different things you can learn from playing sports as a kid. All of them are very important to life and who you become as you grow older in life and in sports.