Key Takeaways
- Children can benefit from playing youth sports in many ways, as it can improve their health and boost their self-confidence.
- Parents can help their children make the most of youth sports by purchasing them the proper gear.
- Wearing the right gear while playing youth sports can help kids avoid injuries and perform better overall.
More than half of American children between the ages of 6 and 17 play at least one sport. Generally speaking, these kids benefit from participating in youth sports in many ways, as it can improve their cardiovascular fitness, reduce their anxiety and stress levels, and allow them to learn important lessons about teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
If you’re a parent, signing your kids up for youth sports is an excellent idea. But before doing it, make sure you understand the impact that buying the proper gear can have on your child’s health and performance. Find out more about this impact below.
How Gear Can Affect Your Child’s Health
Playing sports can do wonders for your child’s health. In addition to positively impacting their cardiovascular fitness, it can also help them develop stronger bones and lay a solid foundation for their future by showing them the advantages of remaining active.
However, if you don’t outfit your child with the proper gear for their specific sport, they could be put in harm’s way. Here is how you can help them by ensuring they have access to the necessary gear.
Prevents Injuries
If your child wears ill-fitting gear while participating in a sport, they may suffer injuries. For example, sending them out onto the football field with a helmet that is too big or too small might result in head or neck injuries. Likewise, having them wear shoes that are too big or too small may lead to blisters, strains, or sprains, and possibly even broken bones.
Reduces Wear & Tear
Even if your child doesn’t sustain injuries while wearing gear that doesn’t fit right, it can still take a long-term toll. This gear might force them to make unnatural movements while running, throwing, etc., and could ultimately lead to excessive wear and tear on their bodies at a young age.
Minimizes Worries
If your child knows that their helmet or shoes don’t fit properly, they might spend all their time worrying about it while playing sports. This can have a detrimental impact on their mental health and may even lead to them asking to quit a sport due to stress and anxiety.
How Gear Can Affect Your Child’s Sports Performance
The gear you buy for your child before they begin playing a sport can impact more than just their health. It can also affect their performance, regardless of which sport they play.
Let’s say, for instance, that your child chooses to play basketball. If you put them out on the court in a tight jersey and shoes that are one size too big, the results won’t be good. They may struggle to get up shots and trip while they’re running up and down the court.
Equipping them with the proper gear can improve their performance while playing sports. Here’s how:
- Allows them to take total control of their arms, legs, feet, and other parts of their body
- Enables them to concentrate on their play rather than focusing on gear that doesn’t fit
- Gives them the confidence to try new things within their respective sport, knowing their gear won’t hinder their movements
It doesn’t matter if your child plays baseball or joins a cheerleading team. When you invest in the right baseball or cheerleading gear, you will put them in a position to steadily improve over time.
How You Can Locate the Right Gear for Your Child’s Sports Endeavors
If you played the same sport that you just signed your child up for at one time, you might know exactly which gear to purchase for them. But if you are not familiar with their preferred sport, finding the right gear can be a challenge.
These tips will help you track it down:
- See which gear other parents with children who play a particular sport recommend.
- Speak with someone at a sporting goods store about which gear they would suggest.
- Talk to your child’s new coach about which gear will be required.
Do your own research on which gear to buy for your child’s sport, too, paying close attention to how to decide which sizes they should wear. Whether you’re shopping for a football helmet for the upcoming season or a swimsuit for your child after they recently joined the swim team, securing the right size is essential.
Putting Your Child in the Proper Gear Might Be the Key to Their Sports Success
Playing sports can teach your child lessons that will last a lifetime. It can also dramatically improve their physical and mental health while surrounding them with other kids who could become lifelong friends.
But before you get too excited about all the benefits of youth sports, go shopping with your child and invest in the proper gear. It could be the key to them enjoying a sport and achieving success.