Whether you are playing tennis, handball, volleyball or football, team sports require dedication and patience. In addition to boosting physical activity levels, these sports can help teach children and adolescents important life skills, including social interaction, goal setting, patience and coping with loss.
Several studies have reported an association between participation in team sport and better mental health. In particular, team sports have been linked to lower risk-taking behaviours and a greater sense of satisfaction with life.
However, the evidence for effective interventions to promote girls’ participation in team sport is still limited. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the impact of physical activity interventions on the participation of secondary school-aged girls in team sport. The review evaluated four studies, with the aim of identifying potential strategies to increase participation.
The review also identified gaps in research and suggested potential interventions for future intervention. These included consulting with girls and increasing their awareness of the benefits of team sports, as well as encouraging them to participate in new sports. The results of the review suggest that more rigorous and comprehensive interventions are needed to enhance the effectiveness of teams through effects on team interactions.
The review found that the organization of sports teams varies significantly. In general, sports teams are defined by leagues, with clear boundaries between age-specific teams. In some cases, the maximum roster size can be reduced, for financial reasons. In other cases, the team is allowed to live at home.