Beyond the physical benefits of sport, when you take part in team sports the benefits to your mental health and wellbeing, as well as a great way to get to know people and make friendships deeper. In this article, Dan, member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group, gives us the low down on the importance of team sports.
Throughout our lives we will enjoy a multitude of equally fascinating and enjoyable occurrences. Some of these are accidental, while others are chosen. Some of these will positively impact our physical health while others will be completely for fun and to socialise. Both of these are equally important as socialising impacts our mental health monumentally, while physical exertion will help us maintain and develop our physical health.
Today I’m going to be talking about something that beautifully merges the two: Team sports. Team sports are any sporting activity which involves working in a team to complete a set objective or goal. These can include a handful of sports selected by schools, or a perpetual variety of non-school led clubs. Team sports help you create strong, lifelong bonds with your peers, while also playing a substantial role in conserving and improving your physical health.
Team sports also help you meet people with similar and fascinating interests.
A wide range of more than ubiquitous activities and sports encompass this category. For example: Football, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Field Hockey, Netball, Basketball, Rowing, Water Polo, and Lacrosse all epitomise this in an enjoyable and casual/jovial way.
Team sports are in great abundance and are played all over the country. “In England, around 57% of children ages 11-16 participate in team sports at least once a week, increasing from 40% in ages 5-7.” As of 2025 there are approximately 9,597 registered businesses within the UK sports club industry. This encourages participation throughout the UK and helps positively benefit a vast population.
Team sports also have been shown to be a phenomenal method to making long lasting friends. As shown by an online survey; “Approximately 47% of adults report that sports helped them make friends when they were younger” This is even more substantial as stated earlier 57% of secondary school children play sports. This means that over 80% of people who play sports have made priceless connections and relationships just from team sports. Throughout England there are over 50 different team sports. So, if you don’t enjoy a respective one there is still an ocean of 49 more at your fingertips.
In conclusion, I would deeply recommend team sports for people of any generation. No matter what age or skill level, no matter whether you want to play casually or competitively, sport is always an option.
It can drastically improve your physical and social life. Thank you for reading!
Dan
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
