Impact of Team Sports Participation on Social Skills Development in Youth

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of team sports participation on social skills development in youth. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that engaging in team sports fosters various interpersonal skills such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. These activities provide a structured environment where young individuals learn to work collaboratively towards common goals, enhancing their ability to function within a group. Team sports also offer opportunities for social interaction and bonding, which can improve self-esteem and the ability to form meaningful relationships. Additionally, the need to adhere to rules and respect teammates and opponents promotes discipline and ethical behavior. Overall, participation in team sports is associated with improved social competence, making it a valuable tool for social development in y Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social learning theory, social identity theory and constructivist learning theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of team sports participation on social skills development in youth. Coaches and sports organizations should develop structured training programs that specifically include social skills training. Policymakers should support and fund community sports programs that emphasize team participation as a means to develop social skills.