Here at AYB, we value the time we spend with the young kids and adolescents in our programs. Getting to know each player’s personality and discovering ways to bring out their best qualities is a privilege. In the midst of the fundamentals and training, AYB players and coaches have FUN and develop lasting relationships. Your children matter to AYB programs because we know that youth sports matter to your children.
Youth Sports Matter
Participating in youth sports has long-term benefits for the child, their families, and their communities. There is no doubt participating in sports is good for your physical health, but the benefits of youth sports go far beyond a child’s body. Adolescents who play sports improve developmentally, emotionally, and socially. Research shows youth sports can increase academic performance while decreasing anxiety and depression. Supporting your child’s participation in sports is about more than athletic abilities; it is about setting them up for a healthy and successful future.
Health Benefits
The CDC recommends that children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. This activity should be aerobic, as well as muscle and bone strengthening. Physically active children are more likely to develop into physically active adults, maintaining these benefits throughout their lives.
Being active helps kids stay in shape, build athleticism, and reduce the risk for health complications such as obesity and cancer. Playing sports helps a child develop coordination and balance while improving their cardiovascular health. In addition to these physical benefits, there are mental benefits as well. During exercise, the hormones dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are all released at varying levels. These important chemicals can help balance mood and sense of well-being. These hormones reduce damaging stress hormones and improve sleep cycles and appetite too.
Emotional and Social Benefits
Youth sports are a great way to work on teamwork and problem-solving. There is also a proven link between playing a sport and self-esteem in children. Having a team support you, a coach encourages you, and achieving goals all help children feel better about themselves. Playing sports is a proven way to reduce stress and give children a great place to work through highs and lows. Playing a sport can indeed increase a child’s academic performance and staying busy eliminates time to get into trouble. A team is like a second family and teammates and coaches are a great support system to players and their parents as children grow up facing the sometimes harsh realities of real life.
Community Benefits
In addition to nurturing a child’s physical and emotional growth, youth sports are a place for the community to connect. Arcadia Youth Basketball is a community-based basketball program created to provide the neighborhood of Arcadia (Phoenix, AZ) a basketball program that focuses on skill development, team training, and league games all while providing a fun and safe environment. AYB offers the game of basketball as a powerful tool in the development of our youth and we aim to provide the youth of Arcadia a place to learn, develop, and grow through their love of basketball. Visit our website and check out our winter rec league or club teams. Experience the difference of AYB Basketball!
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