| Lacrosse is a fun and high energy game that is | | | | established programs to help kids move and |
| growing quickly in the United States. Interest is | | | | make activity a daily part of their life. Physical |
| starting at a young age. girls and boys alike are | | | | education programs are cut back and even cut |
| lining up to play this sport. The athleticism, skills | | | | out in some schools. Children's physical activity is |
| and finesse needed are pulling kids from all over | | | | limited to that which they get on the playground |
| to engage in Lacrosse. There is a misconception | | | | and high school students are not opting to take as |
| of danger related to this sport however, and that | | | | many P.E. classes as even 10 years ago. Lacrosse |
| raises parents concerns regarding their child | | | | is a challenging and engaging sport that motivates |
| participating. There has been a lot of work to help | | | | children and teens to want to get the exercise |
| Lacrosse be a safe sport and these concerns can | | | | they need. |
| be put to rest. Besides, the benefits far out weigh | | | | Benefit #3: Build Endurance |
| the potential risks. | | | | Lacrosse combines the skills of basketball, soccer |
| Benefit #1: Increase Mental Health | | | | and hockey into a fast paced, high endurance test |
| Children participating in Lacrosse are benefited in | | | | of strength and agility. With a playing area roughly |
| their mind as well as their body. Depression is | | | | the size of a football field there is a high demand |
| taking over many people's lives. Children are | | | | for speed and strength. The training is rigorous |
| among the rising numbers effected by this | | | | and focused. Dedication is required to succeed. |
| disease. Although medication may be needed, | | | | Struggling physically also helps build a person |
| activity considerably decreases the amount | | | | mentally. Pushing through and making a goal builds |
| needed. Some studies have shown that sixty | | | | confidence and commitment. The hard work that |
| minutes of physical activity each day is as | | | | goes into this sport helps develop a strong |
| effective as a low dose of antidepressant. | | | | character, one that will benefit a person for years |
| Although activity is not meant to replace | | | | to come and help them endure other things in life |
| medication it can help reduce symptoms. Exercise | | | | unrelated to the game. |
| also releases endorphins and tension in your | | | | Benefit #4: Social Interaction |
| muscles along with improving attitude and clearing | | | | One of the great things about team sports is that |
| the mind. All of these things together mean a | | | | you are part of a team. The players work, |
| happier kid, and more able to handle the | | | | sweat, plan and play together. The time spent |
| challenges of life now and develop a method of | | | | focused on a goal bonds the players together. |
| reducing stress that will benefit them their entire | | | | Childhood and adolescence is a time for searching |
| life. Your child doesn't suffer from depression? | | | | and learning to relate to peers and form |
| The same benefits apply. Youth experience stress | | | | friendships. Playing together allows for positive |
| and anxiety regardless of specific health | | | | shared experiences with others and a setting to |
| conditions. | | | | develop social skills. Children and teens who can be |
| Benefit #2: Prevents Obesity | | | | together and have a common purpose will have a |
| Child obesity on the rise with many youth just | | | | greater chance at success in life, as much of |
| watching, cheering, and idolizing sports and | | | | what people do for work and community involves |
| athletes. The television is on and the chips are out. | | | | associating and working with others. |
| Not only are they increasing caloric intake, but the | | | | If your child is interested in playing lacrosse, these |
| lack of activity lowers their overall metabolism | | | | are only a few benefits they will experience. With |
| and makes putting on the weight easier and | | | | the popularity of this sport growing more each |
| continual throughout the day and night. Because | | | | year, and with leagues and teams set up all over |
| there seems to be a trend of across the board | | | | the country, it is a past-time that can continue on |
| of inactivity and weight gain among children and | | | | throughout their life. |
| adolescence the U.S. government has even | | | | |