Team sport is an athletic activity in which it is inherently impossible or impractical to execute the sport as a single-player endeavour and requires the contributions of all members of the team to succeed. This distinguishes team sports from sports such as climbing or marathon running, which are characterized by individuals competing against each other for points.

A growing number of studies have linked participation in team sports with a range of positive outcomes including higher life satisfaction, better mental health, greater resilience to the stressors of modern living, improved academic performance and lower risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse. Internationally, there has been increased interest in using sport as a medium for developing ‘life skills’ in youth.

Working in a team sport teaches athletes how to collaborate with others to reach a common goal, while learning how to respect the opinions of those around them. This is a skill that is invaluable in the work place and everyday life.

Team sports are also a great way to build friendships. Working together through the highs and lows of competition helps to build a bond that can last a lifetime. These bonds are not only beneficial for the athlete, but they can help them to form social networks that they can turn to in times of need. The ability to problem solve and think critically are also lessons that can be learned through a team sport. This is an important skill in today’s world where many tasks are multi-tasking and a quick response is required.