| Most parents believe that self-esteem is directly | | | | soccer professionally in the international arena. |
| related to success in life. Yet, it is one advantage | | | | Full-immersion international programs are especially |
| they can't directly give their children. Self-esteem | | | | desirable since they give children an opportunity to |
| is gained through personal accomplishment and the | | | | strengthen athletic skills and expose them to |
| expanding confidence of children as they take on | | | | another language and culture |
| more responsibility. | | | | The benefits of learning foreign languages |
| However, parents can give their children | | | | Students who learn foreign languages tend to |
| experiences and education that encourage | | | | score higher on the standardized tests in English. |
| achievement and independence. A combination of | | | | Thus, learning a new language actually improves a |
| activities that challenge a child's mind and body are | | | | student's grasp of English. Evidence also suggests |
| a perfect way to help children grow into | | | | that children who study a second language are |
| confident, well rounded adults. | | | | more creative and better at complex problem |
| The benefits of participating in youth sports | | | | solving. |
| Research indicates that participation in sports | | | | Americans fluent in other languages have a |
| often promotes healthy development in kids and | | | | deeper understanding of our culturally diverse |
| teens. According to a study done by the | | | | world and more career opportunities. In addition to |
| American Sport Education Program, athletic | | | | sharpening a child's mind, learning a second |
| training builds an appreciation of personal health | | | | language can directly impact their chance of |
| and fitness in young people. They also found that | | | | future success. |
| it improved self image, social skills and taught | | | | The advantages of full-immersion language learning |
| children how to cope with disappointment. | | | | Full-immersion language programs are a fast |
| The advantages of athletic training at professional | | | | growing, wildly successful way for kids become |
| and international levels | | | | bi-lingual. In these programs, students travel |
| Kids that show an affinity for a particular sport, | | | | abroad and spend a great deal of time speaking |
| such as soccer, can really benefit from | | | | and listening to a second language. |
| professional training at an international level. The | | | | Immersion programs are possibly the most |
| world of international soccer is highly competitive | | | | effective type of foreign language instruction |
| and offers new opportunities for achievement to | | | | available. Students involved in such programs can |
| youngsters who love the sport. | | | | be expected to achieve more fluency than those |
| Look for camps, schools and training programs | | | | studying in traditional settings. |
| that are lead by coaches with experience playing | | | | |