Modern sports have their origins in the late 17th century, when the concept of a sports record was invented. The Puritans, who had sworn to ban all forms of traditional play, drove the games underground, but that did not stop them from developing into organized competitions. The Marylebone Cricket Club in England, founded in 1787, took the concept of sports record a step further by introducing the rules of the game and rationalizing the competition.
Until a child is about 9 years old, most pediatricians recommend delaying complex team sports like soccer and baseball. These are complex games that require coaching and memorization and are not appropriate for younger children. However, for children six to nine years old, beginning baseball or soccer is a perfect way to introduce them to the world of sports and physical activity. Even though it may seem difficult, beginning sports early will increase your child’s interest in physical activity and help them develop their motor skills.
While sports involve competitive activity, they can also involve individual activities that develop a person’s skills. For example, playing baseball, soccer, or football involves intense physical activity that can lead to sweating, exhaustion, and a winning or losing outcome. While this can be fun for both players, it is also a great way to learn more about yourself and other people. Whether it is a team-based sport or individual participation, it will teach you valuable lessons about fair play and teamwork.