Taking part in sports yield benefits for children including improved physical health and the development of valuable life skills.

A new study put together last month by the Council of Economic Advisers states kids who participate in sports develop better life skills and are more likely to build positive relationships with adults and other kids.

The American Council on Exercise lists the following top 10 reasons youth should get plenty of exercise:

1. Youth who exercise are more likely to keep exercising as an adult.
2. Exercise helps children achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Regular physical activity helps build and maintain strong, healthy muscles, bones and joints.
4. Exercise aids in the development of important interpersonal skills—this is especially true for participation in team sports.
5. Exercise improves the quantity and quality of sleep.
6. Research shows exercise promotes improved school attendance and enhances academic performance.
7. Youth who exercise have greater self-esteem and better self-images.
8. Participating in regular physical activity prevents or delays the development of many chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension) and promotes health.
9. Children who are active report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and a better overall mood.
10. Exercise helps improve motor coordination and enhances the development of various motor performance skills.

For some of us, youth sports may be more and more about competition and winning, but children are, in a word, still children: the number one reason kids play sports is still to have fun.

National Youth Sports Week is July 16-22 and the Florida Department of Health is celebrating all of the positive benefits of youth sports.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.