Get out and play sports

Morganne McManus, Journalism 1 Reporter
February 22, 2012
Filed under Opinion & Editorial

Teens always complain about being overweight and how they have nothing to do. If teens want to lose weight and have something to do, they should be active and play a sport.

There are many benefits for teens who participate in sports. Sports teach teens how to act in a team environment, and how to balance school with other activities. Also some teens focus better in school when they are in a sport.

The physical benefits are also, great. Playing sports strengthens your heart and lungs.  According to youthsportspsychology.com,  45% of teens who participate in sports show improved physical fitness.

Kids growing up without sports are really disadvantaged. Erika Ramirez has been playing baseball/ softball her whole life. She says that it has helped her keep fit and helped her deal with the stresses of life.  “Baseball taught me that I can do something really well when I put my mind to it. I use this same frame of mind in school now,” Ramirez stated.

Competitive sport are a good outlet for teens to release there stress. “ I loved playing field hockey because I could shove girls out of the way and yell and it was ok,” said Jazlyn Aguila.

“It felt so good to go to practice after having a bad day of school,” Aguila continued. “I remember this one time when this girl hit me and later that game I shoved her to the ground.”

Teen sports teach teens to push themselves hard.  Some teens these days have no drive to do well in school. When teens are on school sports they have to do well in order to play. When teens have a reason to do well, they will do well.

Teens also play sports for the excitement of competition. Some teens like to feel the adrenalin of playing in a big competition. “I remember being excited for the whole day when I had a game,” said Ramirez.

“Field hockey games were the best. I love being able to be mean and not get into trouble,” Aguila said.

Sports also help kids stay out of trouble. 75% of kids in inner-city schools who play in sports stay away from drugs according to skddd.org. Teens who play sports don’t want to get tangled up in things that can get them kicked off the team. Also when kids are on sports teams they have less time on their hands to do stupid stuff.

Teens should get out and play sports if they want to be healthy and not be bored. It’s understandable that sports are expensive; it doesn’t have to be an organized sport teens can just go jogging.