Why should a student participate in a sport? Is it the camaraderie? The team-building skills? Or the all-important nature of being part of something bigger than oneself? The reality is that being a student athlete is about all this and more. 

When a student joins an ice hockey team, they’re setting themselves up for a future of companionship, wellness, and positivity. The sense of teamwork will transcend identically-colored jerseys and team mascots. Student athletes benefit from honing life-long skills both on and off the ice, court, or field. Keep reading to learn more about those benefits:

Leadership and Teamwork

Student athletes can learn independence and dependence from a sport. Split-second decisions on the court and command over the beloved puck or ball require self-confidence and leadership capabilities. At the same time, athletes need to support one another, whether they’re far ahead of opponents or lagging. For youth athletes experiencing the highs and lows of adolescence, confidence before, during, and after games is crucial.

Time Management

Student schedules are busy enough with classes, homework, and social activities. Add extra-curricular activities, including sports, and it’s hard to believe students can achieve their daily goals with just 24 paltry hours. Student athletes are incredibly skilled at managing their time and balancing academics with athletics, both with the help of coaches and through trial and error.

Overall Wellness

Athletes are known for their physical well-being, but sports are essential for adolescents’ development, mentally and emotionally. Youth sports are proven to encourage resilience, confidence, and good sportsmanship among participants, providing necessary social engagement and physical activity for growing children. Even if a team struggles to come out on top in a given season, student athletes can use that opportunity to learn how to bounce back from hardship and grow. 

Long-Term Happiness

The University of Delaware’s ice hockey alums recently came together and raised thousands of dollars to support the school’s current hockey program. UDHAA members of all ages and graduation years came together, working as a team to achieve one common goal: give back to the program that gave so much to them years ago. This camaraderie is exactly what youth sports can foster—perhaps youth ice hockey and similar athletic endeavors are the keys to a charitable, selfless future!