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“[It] will teach them what it means to learn from mistakes and the value of trying hard, being respectful and working together as a group,” says Dr. Franklin, adding that positive group experiences can “be a great place to develop self-confidence, friendship and mental toughness.”
“If you have an environment where you are able to learn through trial and error, form relationships with others and enjoy yourself, you will benefit psychologically,” Dr. Doshay adds about this kind of activity.
“Every kid can participate in soccer regardless of whether they are the largest or strongest on the team,” she says.
Dr. Doshay adds that “the rules are simple enough for young children to understand,” and the sport lets kids “develop cooperation, communication and rapid decision-making.”
Unlike some sports with high equipment prices (hockey, golf, etc.), Dr. Lombardo notes that “the cost to play soccer… allows it to be more affordable, and thus accessible, than many other sports.” For soccer, you really only need shin guards, cleats and a ball to get going—but some recreational games can even be played in regular sneakers.
She also states that the team nature of the sport is especially appealing.
“Children learn that, while they cannot control every aspect of the game, they can control their contribution to the whole,” she shares.
While soccer is a top choice, team sports in general can really benefit children as they grow up. Dr. Lombardo says that they “provide so many vital life skills, many of which are not, or are rarely, taught directly in the classroom.”
Dr. Lombardo says that every child can learn leadership from team sports, even if they’re not a team captain.
“I like to define leadership as bringing out the best in others to work towards a common goal,” she says, adding, “A ‘bench warmer’ can still do that, encouraging teammates and supporting the success of the entire team.”
“Missing a goal, making a mistake, having a teammate upset with you—all of these are opportunities to learn to manage distress,” shares Dr. Lombardo.
She states that children can learn how to handle feedback “from coaches, teammates and even opponents without interpreting it as ‘failure‘ or ‘rejection.'”
“Verbal and non-verbal communication skills can be cultivated in team sports,” Dr. Lombardo notes.
Dr. Doshay adds that the ability to “communicate while working under stress” is especially valuable.
“Playing a team sport provides the opportunity to be part of a larger group that is all working together to achieve a common goal that requires every member’s participation,” says Dr. Franklin.
“[Kids also] learn how to make contributions regardless of whether or not they are the best athlete,” explains Dr. Doshay. “This helps them build personal strength… and understand the concept of teamwork better than they would otherwise.”
Psychologists agree that team sports can build important life skills for children, but solo sports can be a great fit for kids as well—they can help teach different things, says Dr. Franklin.
“Team sports offer more opportunities for a child to practice cooperation and how to deal with group dynamics than individual sports,” she explains, adding that by contrast, “individual sports foster independence, self-paced improvement and personal responsibility.”
If your child is neurodivergent or struggles with anxiety, they don’t have to stick to individual sports, says Dr. Lombardo. Situations depend on the child, of course, but she says that “a neurodivergent child could particularly thrive on a team when practices are predictable [and] instructions are clear.” She adds that children who are anxious can also “benefit from the sense of belonging and mattering that can come with a team sport.”
“Being able to interact with other young people with a common goal can help someone who has strong anxiety,” she states.
Ultimately, as Dr. Doshay notes, “The best [sport] option will most likely depend upon what type of environment will encourage your child to participate and continue to grow as an athlete.”
Dr. Lombardo says that most kids are ready for organized sports around age six.
“Before that, it is mostly just play, although they can learn important skills like rules, keeping score and waiting for their turn,” she notes.
Developmentally, there are different sports that can be best suited for kids as they grow.
“For young children, noncompetitive, developmental types of sport can be a good way to get them developing fundamental movement patterns,” says Dr. Doshay.
He lists tumbling, swim lessons, T-ball or even introductory soccer as options.
“At this phase, you want to emphasize exploration and fun rather than hard competition,” adds Dr. Lombardo.
Dr. Doshay says that “more structured team sports like youth soccer or basketball” are perfect for this age range.
Dr. Lombardo notes that gymnastics, baseball, tennis and flag football are also great options.
Around 10, Dr. Franklin says kids can start “participating in team sports that involve more strategies and specific player positions.” Examples include volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse.
For ages 13 and older, Dr. Franklin says parents should let their children “give them meaningful input regarding their choice of sport.”
“I will put less emphasis on finding an individual ‘best’ sport and more on maintaining long-term interest in a sport,” she adds.
Related:
Soccer remains a top team sport choice for most kids, but it is important to factor in your individual child’s needs.
“Consider what environments will help your child be engaged, learn and grow,” says Dr. Lombardo.
She explains that anxious children may thrive in sports with “predictable routines, a patient coach and a focus on cultivating skills and teamwork over strict winning.”
Shy children “may prefer a smaller team or a clear individual role within the group, such as swimming relays, soccer or baseball,” she adds.
For kids who struggle with getting overwhelmed by noises or physical contact, Dr. Lombardo says you probably “want to stay away from loud physical sports” and opt for more individual options like tennis, track or golf.
Dr. Franklin adds that energetic, active children “will most likely do best when moving constantly.” She recommends parents “observe how your child reacts to competition, loudness, structured play, working together on a team and pressure” before placing them in a sport.
As Dr. Doshay puts it: “Look for what activities make your child feel more confident and excited about coming back.”
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo is a licensed psychologist and sports psychologist at Elevive.
Dr. Max Doshay is a clinical psychologist and co-founder and CEO of KMN Psych.
Dr. Shannon Franklin is a licensed psychologist and the Clinical Director of Element Q Healing.
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