Playing youth sports and physical activities is beneficial for children because it helps them develop better coordination, better cooperation skills, better life choices and overall better health. Participating in sport and physical activities plays a significant role in promoting health and wellness among children and adolescents. Not only does such activity help improve the physical fitness and health of children, but also it is a major key in fighting childhood obesity—a critical health priority for our nation. The health benefits of playing sports and physical activity are well documented. The health benefits that can result from regular participation in sports and physical activity include reducing the risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and improving metabolic health in youth. Obesity in children and youth has doubled over the past 25 years and will affect 1/3 of all third graders. Compared to those who are inactive, physically active youth have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and stronger muscles. Active children also typically have lower body fat levels and have stronger bones. Youth who are regularly active also have a better chance of having a healthy adulthood. Girls who play sports and are physically active will help improve their health and well-being in both short term and the long term of their life. Some of the benefits they will see immediately are a better fitness level , a healthy weight, and stress reduction. In the long term, playing sports and physical activity in youth is a key preventive factor for heart disease, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementias in later life. Compared to non-athlete peers, female high school athletes are less likely to be sexually active, to use drugs, and to suffer from depression (Women's Sports Foundation, 2004). 80% of girls who play sports are less likely to get pregnant. As children reach adolescence, they typically reduce their physical activity, and many drop out of sport, thus forfeiting the health benefits that are derived from physical activity and the building of a foundation for lifelong, health-promoting physical activity. Children who are physically active, in particular through involvement in sport, are more likely to stay active into their teen years and adulthood than are children who do not play sport. 20% of kids who play sports are 20% more likely to get a A in math. Data show that high school students who play sport are less likely to drop out. Participation in sport also has been associated with completing more years of education and higher grades in school. Research has shown that physical movement can affect the brains physiology by increasing cerebral capillary growth, blood flow, oxygenation, production of neurotrophins, growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus, neurotransmitter levels, development of nerve connections, density of neural network, and brain tissue volume. These changes can be associated with Improved attention, information processing, storage, and retrieval; enhanced coping; enhanced positive affect; and reduced sensations of cravings and pain. Research suggests that increased energy levels and time outside of the classroom, both byproducts of playing sport, may give relief from boredom, resulting in higher attention levels during classroom and study time. Research by the Canadian
Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute has shown that physical exercise causes short-term relaxation, accompanied by improved concentration, enhanced problem-solving abilities creativity and memory, improved mood, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.