A team sport is one that requires multiple players to participate, making it inherently impossible or impractical to execute as a single-player effort. Examples include basketball, football (American and Canadian), rugby, cricket, baseball, handball, water polo, lacrosse and more.

Being on a team allows a boy to learn how to put the interests of the group ahead of his own, even when it hurts. It also teaches him that winning isn’t just about being the best in your individual event. In fact, the most successful teams are often the ones that can pull together the strengths of a whole group, such as when a great 110 hurdler runs a leg in a 4×400 relay.

Participating in a team sport also gives boys the ability to comprehend the idea of losing and winning in a safe and supportive environment. Losing can be difficult to endure, but learning to lose humbly and to take pride in good sportsmanship can help a boy become more understanding, forgiving and upbeat on and off the field.

Finally, participating in a team sport is an excellent way to build self-esteem, social skills and discipline. A boy will learn how to work with a diverse group of people and will be exposed to mentorship opportunities. Whether it’s his coach, an older player or another teammate, the right sports mentors can be invaluable to a young athlete. These role models will help him become more confident and independent, as well as teach him the value of hard work and persistence.