Everyone knows that school sports are a great way for kids to develop physical skills, exercise, make new friends, have fun, and learn to be a team member. But there are other benefits you may not even be aware of.

Read on for the top 5 things your child can gain by participating in school sports.

Leadership Skills

As students advance through the ranks of the high school team, they learn valuable leadership skills. Senior athletes are expected to encourage younger team members and hold them accountable. They set an example and often provide advice and guidance both on and off the field. These leadership skills can serve your children well as they grow into adulthood.

Improved Academics

Some parents worry that participation in sports and other extracurriculars will detract from their child’s academic performance. In reality, the opposite has been proven to be true. Sports participation is associated with higher GPAs and lower drop-out rates than their non-athlete peers. Some studies have found that students who were active in sports like soccer or football (even skateboarding!) performed 10 percent better in core subjects.

Positive Mentors

High school athletics are filled with positive mentors, from the coaches and athletic trainers on the sidelines to the leaders on the team. Students are taught important lessons about hard work, respect and good sportsmanship. Early experiences with mentors like these help shape student athletes in positive ways for the rest of their lives.

Time Management

Practice and games do take up plenty of a student’s time, leaving less time for school work and other activities. Athletes must learn time management skills if they are to get everything finished. These time management skills can come in handy for college or full-time employment.

Build Healthy Habits That Will Last a Lifetime

Did you know that children who participate in sports are more likely to be active as adults? The benefits of consistent activity can include having stronger muscles and bones, decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lowering blood pressure and a general better outlook on life.

School sports aren’t just enormously fun: they can teach your child lessons that can carry them successfully through life. If you’re looking for more support, Orthopedic Institute is proud to support high school athletes. For more information, or to view the Saturday Sports Clinic schedule, go to http://blog.orthopedicinstitutesf.com/saturday-sports-injury-clinic-at-orthopedic-institute-1.