Jersey Today, Leadership Tomorrow: Why Every Child Needs a Team Sport

By Wg Cdr Sonika Tanwar (Veteran, Indian Air Force)

Introduction

We teach our children multiplication tables, moral science, and even how to crack Olympiads… But what if I told you that passing the ball could teach them more about life skills for children than a dozen textbooks?

As a military veteran, I’ve led squads, commanded teams, and survived tactical drills under pressure. And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt—it’s this:

Teamwork isn’t taught in theory. It’s built on the field through team sports for kids.team sports for kids

So, dear parents, if you want your child to grow up resilient, responsible, and real-world ready, let them lace up those shoes, sweat it out with teammates, and play at least one team-based sport.

Team sports for kids

1. Team Sports Build Real Grit, Not Just Game Skills

Let’s face it—life isn’t a solo game.

They learn to fall and get up (without drama).
They lose matches and still clap for the winners.
They push through practice even on days they don’t feel like it.

And guess what? That’s the real definition of emotional resilience in children.

2. From “I” to “We”: The Art of Shared Success

In school, children compete to top the class. On the field, they pass the ball to someone better placed.

Teaches humility and social intelligence.
Builds empathy through collaborative play.
Nurtures teamwork and leadership skills.

And most importantly—it kills the ‘me first’ attitude, building a foundation for personality development through sports.

3. Time, Discipline & Effort—The Holy Trinity of Growth

No coach tolerates:

Late entries
Untied shoelaces
Excuses about homework monsters

Team sports bring:

Routine (practice schedules)
Time management (balancing play and study)
Commitment (showing up even when you don’t want to)

These are essential life skills that echo in boardrooms and battlefields.

4. Communication: More Than Just Words

Ever watched a player signal strategy with a single nod? Or coordinate with teammates without saying a word?

Team sports fine-tune:

Body language
Listening skills
Confidence in communication

These become their soft skills superpowers in interviews, presentations, and life negotiations.

5. Failure Without Fear, Victory With Grace

Sometimes they’ll score the winning goal. Sometimes they’ll miss it.

But team sports teach kids emotional maturity:

To accept defeat without losing heart.
To win without arrogance.
To always bounce back stronger.

6. Fitness Is a Bonus, But Mental Health Is the Jackpot

Running around, laughing with teammates, feeling part of a squad—this is mental wellness in motion.

Team sports reduce anxiety, improve mood, and release feel-good hormones.

And for the child who’s shy, struggling, or low on self-esteem? This could be the confidence building activity for kids they need.

So Which Sport Should You Choose?

Football. Basketball. Cricket. Hockey. Kabaddi. It doesn’t matter what—as long as it’s a team-based sport that fosters life skills.

Let your child experience:

The chaos of coordination
The joy of shared celebrations
The bond of trust forged through play

Final Words from the Parade Ground of Parenting

Dear parents, a sport isn’t just a hobby. It’s preparation for life. Where rules matter, effort counts, and teamwork wins.

Where children learn to lead, to follow, to listen, and to rise again—equipped with real-world readiness skills.

So go ahead—pick a sport, find a field, let them run. Because the child who learns to pass the ball today… might just lead the team tomorrow.

Team Sport