Sports are a major part of modern society today. Many of us have grown up watching a variety of sports and participating in some as well. Even many of those who weren't active in athletics become followers of a particular sport or team once they get older. With the growing popularity of these pastimes, more and more children are participating in sports, oftentimes to a much more serious degree than was typically done in the past. As a result, sport classes for kids are increasingly common and there is some debate as to the benefits that they offer.

The development of such attributes as sportsmanship, teamwork, and social skills is an important part of sports participation that proponents of these classes often cite. There is little argument that this can be true if the classes are conducted in a proper manner. There is also not much debate that such skills are valuable not only during childhood but all throughout life in many aspects.

The opposite argument would be that excessive competition can be harmful to a child's development. Those who are not as skilled may suffer from a lack of self-esteem and possibility be put off by any type of competition as a result. On the other end of this spectrum, it is possible for one to become overly competitive, which can be a very negative personality trait.

Modern society includes a degree of stress that can be harmful, especially to children. Participation in sport is often claimed to be a way to release and deal with some of this tension. This is in part related to the physical activity involved as well as the social aspect alluded to previously.

The other side of this is that the classes and the related competition can actually add stress rather than helping to relieve and to deal with it. There is oftentimes an inordinate amount of pressure that comes along with competition. Coaches, parents and peers can all be external sources while the child may also place undue pressure upon himself or herself.

One of the simple and most essential benefits is the physical exercise that the kids receive. This factor is not one to be taken lightly given the sedentary nature of the modern lifestyle. Fostering a healthy body and developing good exercise habits that can be carried on into adulthood are indeed important considerations.

One drawback to this added exercise is the risk of injury that is inherent in many such activities. American football, rugby and other collision sports obviously have a higher risk than ones such as tennis and golf, but none are completely free of jeopardizing the health of the participants. Major and minor injuries can both have long-lasting effects, both physically and mentally.

It is clear that there are both benefits and drawbacks to sport classes for kids. There is little to no black and white in this debate and, because everyone is different, it is up to each child and his or her parents to decide what is best for him or her. This will depend upon the personality and needs of the child as well as the benefits and risks involved.