Team sports can prepare your child for the game of life

Today my husband and I got to watch our granddaughter's first soccer game of the season. Proudly, I tell you that she is on the State A Team. We have watched her play soccer since she was 7 years old.

When she was little, she and her teammates held hands and danced in circles around the field. Now it's a much more serious game. These A-level players are tough! And I mean tough! They show no hesitancy in aggressively running into the girls on the other team. They twist and turn and take head shots and elbow jabs like the pros. It's amazing how effectively they use footwork and how powerfully they pass the ball to each other.

It's truly a great idea to have youth in team sports. They learn that there's no "I" in team. They put their faith in each other. They play with all different kids from all different backgrounds and nobody even notices any differences. They cheer each other on and console each other. They are preparing for the game of life, where being an active participant is the important thing....not standing on the sidelines. Exploring, experiencing and enjoying the great exercise and team spirit.

I only wish that we'd had those opportunities when we were kids, but there were no organized team sports back then. Perhaps if there had been, our world would be a more compassionate place.

Did you play team sports when you were a kid? Did you like it? Do you feel it gave you the ability to work better as a team player in your chosen field? Let us know.