Joining a sport, especially at school, can be nerve-racking but brings many bonuses. If you’re contemplating whether you should or not, read the following benefits that may help you to decide. 

1. Feel more connected to the school. Joining a sport may make you feel closer to the school. Not to mention how being part of a team, representing Highland Park, will hopefully help you to perceive school as more of a positive thing too. It is not a lifetime commitment and only lasts a matter of weeks. It’s not about being the best, but instead applying yourself and enjoying whatever you choose to do. 
2. Meet new people. Meeting new people is definitely a big part of joining a sport in general. The bonus of meeting them through a sport is sharing similar hobbies and interests. For many people, meeting people on a sports team is the easiest way to connect and share a friendship with because you are all part of one team. You all will likely share one common goal to work hard and get better at the skills, or times, you want to achieve during the season.
3. It’s all just for fun and the experience. Lastly, and personally, a very important reminder is that joining a school sport is to have fun. It is not supposed to be something you feel like you have to do because it is all just for your own enjoyment. It is okay to feel nervous about putting yourself out there and doing something you enjoy, because you are worried that you are not considered good enough. There are little to no limitations in joining a school sport for a reason. 

So, please consider some of these reasons if one of the sports coming up intrigues your interest. Also, keep in mind that this may be your only one of the few times you are able to participate in a school sport, so just try it out and hopefully you will have no regrets in the end!