Not only do sports reduce the number of adverse affects on the body that an immobile lifestyle may have, sports will also promote the physical growth, strength, and development of the body. Bone mineral content decreases and muscle tissue becomes atrophic with low physical activities. Increased physical activity stimulates musculoskeletal growth and even repetitive stress on muscles can cause a positive response on musculoskeletal structure. Although sports are a form of physical activity with proven benefits, there is always the risk that the child will be injured. When children are placed in a competitive arena, we often see an increase in the number of injuries because their bodies are growing and lack the strength and the protection that is needed to absorb hits or falls. Children’s judgment, as well as their understanding of the game is often immature, increasing the child’s risk of injury. Acute injuries suffered as a child may become chronic injuries as adults, ranging from arthritis to osteoporosis. However, these cases are rare and only a small percentage of children suffer from injuries severe enough to cause these sorts of chronic injuries. Children often suffer from cuts, scraps, burses and sprains. With proper precautions and protective equipment, a number of injuries can be prevented. Compared with the number of over weight children in North America, the number of sports injuries (which are usually preventable) is far less, and thus have little concern.

It has been noted in recent years that some organized youth leagues have drifted towards a more competitive nature, which can often lead to unpleasant experiences especially for poor performers, girls and late maturing boys. This system eliminates children before they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, even though the elimination is more often unintentional, it can have devastating effects on a child’s self- confidence. Children come to feel unworthy, unwanted, disappointed and more self-conscious. Just as the least loveable child may need love the most, the least athletic child may need athletics the most. It is true that sports are becoming more competitive, but there are many youth sporting programs available today which de-emphasize competition and instead focus on effort, participation and skill acquisition. Quality programs focus on developing basic skills that strengthen a child's sense of what the child “can” do. Through skill acquisition and positive feedback children begin to feel confident and competent in their ability to learn and perform new skills. They develop the motor skills and the coordination they need to gain a better sense of body awareness. From this, they are able to use their bodies more efficiently and to the best of its ability, giving them a more positive self-image and high

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