How teen sports build confidence and community | Siddharth Karnati | TEDxMontgomery College

Mental Health & Well-being - Sports can serve as a form of therapy for teenagers, offering a space to process life without sitting still [19] - Teenagers who participate in sports may experience lower rates of anxiety and depression [17] - Sports provide a way to unplug from social media and technology, offering benefits like sunshine, fresh air, and team camaraderie [10][11] Personal Development - Sports can provide structure, purpose, consistency, and stability in a teenager's life [6][7] - Sports offer life-changing gifts such as focus, discipline, and a sense of community [9][15] - Discipline acquired through sports translates to freedom and calmness [9] - Sports can transform raw emotion into motivation and teach that movement can be medicine [12] Social & Community Impact - Sports teams can function as a second family, providing support and encouragement [8][14] - Team sports help build important life skills such as perseverance, resilience, and social skills [17] Physical Health - Sports participation can improve sleep and dietary habits, leading to better performance and recovery [12][13]