Dear Mr. and Mrs. reader,

Does Building relationships on the field help athletes off the field?

Does participating on a sporting team teach you how to communicate with people? Many people don't really understand the benefits of playing on a team. Building relationships off the field helps athletes on the field by building stronger connections with teammates, while also giving you a better knowledge of their abilities. Studies have shown these friendships not only help people on the field but off the field as well. “These relationships that athletes build help them grow their character”(Gels). When I was little my parents made me play little league baseball I wasn't the smallest kid nor’ the most likable, but with her putting me on these teams every spring and fall it helped me make friends for the first time in my life. Being on these teams help people learn to talk to others and how to make friends at a young age.

Building these connections on the field can help you get used to a certain vernacular if there is one. Say you move and you’re not from from around the area. They could have a certain slang they use, and with you being on the field and talking to these people everyday that can help you get used to the certain lingo that the area uses. Along with learning a certain slang, you’re forced to cooperate and build relationships with teammates, helping you build social skills you need in life. Being forced to build these relationships builds friendships that could very well last a lifetime and gives you a sense of security. According to the NFHS ( National Federation of State High School Association), “Playing a sport gives kids a place to talk about things and problems teaching them how to trust and build friendships” ( Gels). Therefore giving them a safe place to talk to their friends and help them be happier.

Along with building strong connections, playing a sport also helps kids better understand their peers’ abilities. A vast reason for this is the fact you have to go to practice with these people all summer or winter and see them upwards of five times a week. You’re forced into a competitive environment forcing you to perform under pressure. In turn you see who will crack under pressure and who wont, who will perform the best, and who won't. This gives you a better understanding of their abilities and how to handle them based on their skill sets and limits. According to the NFHS, “As being member of a team this gives kids the ability to assess situations, and how to handle them” ( Gels) .

Being on these teams help people learn to talk to others and how to make friends at a young age. By playing on these teams you really get to experience what friends are like and they can really help with building strong relationships at young ages. By playing on these teams not only do kids get the extreme enjoyment of playing the sport, but they also get to do it while playing next to some of their closest friends along the way.  

Sincerely, James