Youth Sports - Focusing on Fun and Healthy Habits
Youth Athletics: A Path To Positive
Youth Development & Healthy Living
by Chris Brown
We all want the young people in our community to lead healthy lives and to develop into confident adults who are dedicated to their families and communities. Participating in healthy activities, such as sports, while a youngster is a great way to begin the life-long habit of exercise and fitness. Healthy activities also lead young people to explore their talents, make positive decisions, participate in a constructive way with peers, and develop valuable character traits.
Many children get off to a good start and play sports during their elementary school years. It is important to remember that play is key for children between the ages of 5 and 12 who participate in sports. Having fun is what will keep a child interested and involved in athletics and fitness. Unfortunately, 70% of children will quit playing sports by the time they are 13 years old. The number one reason they give for quitting is, "It's not fun anymore. " Adults who coach, and parents who support these young athletes must be aware that winning is not the primary goal for youth sports. We must remember other goals are met that are not registered on a scoreboard when children play sports. Each of these goals keep it fun.
An important aim for elementary aged children who play sports is gaining confidence in themselves. They learn that through practice and teamwork they can gain new skills, and meet a challenge while also overcoming frustration and anxiety. Adults should recognize that children of different skill levels will be on a team. Each child needs encouragement to make progress at his or her own level and everyone's gains need to be pointed out during the season.
Teammates need to see that the coaches and parents are respectful of everyone's skills on the team. A tremendous benefit to being on a team is learning how to build positive relationships with peers outside of a school or classroom. Learning how to get along with a variety of people, not only the stars of the team, is important. Young athletes can begin to take pride in the accomplishments of their team and individual teammates, while also being supportive and understanding of a teammate who may be struggling with a new skill. Being a good friend on the field puts an emphasis on being a kind person. These athletes can gain the positive character traits of good sportsmanship and realize that not teasing a teammate who made a bad play is more important than the final score of the game.
Developing a competitive spirit during the elementary school years is also important. Young people learn to remain focused on a goal and to put in their full effort by participating in sports. They realize that their teammates and coaches are counting on them to do their best when they compete, and that it is irresponsible to be lazy or disinterested while competing. For young athletes, the focus should not be on the final score but on considering if they worked hard to master their developing skills and to support their teammates during practice and games. These athletes need to understand that they will not win every game, but they can be proud of themselves and their team when they compete to the best of their abilities.
Youth athletics is focused on the goals of positive youth development, fostering habits for healthy living, and responsible sportsmanship. Adults who keep this in mind in their role as a parent or a coach will keep children on a healthy pathway into adolescence and adulthood.
by Chris Brown
We all want the young people in our community to lead healthy lives and to develop into confident adults who are dedicated to their families and communities. Participating in healthy activities, such as sports, while a youngster is a great way to begin the life-long habit of exercise and fitness. Healthy activities also lead young people to explore their talents, make positive decisions, participate in a constructive way with peers, and develop valuable character traits.
Many children get off to a good start and play sports during their elementary school years. It is important to remember that play is key for children between the ages of 5 and 12 who participate in sports. Having fun is what will keep a child interested and involved in athletics and fitness. Unfortunately, 70% of children will quit playing sports by the time they are 13 years old. The number one reason they give for quitting is, "It's not fun anymore. " Adults who coach, and parents who support these young athletes must be aware that winning is not the primary goal for youth sports. We must remember other goals are met that are not registered on a scoreboard when children play sports. Each of these goals keep it fun.
An important aim for elementary aged children who play sports is gaining confidence in themselves. They learn that through practice and teamwork they can gain new skills, and meet a challenge while also overcoming frustration and anxiety. Adults should recognize that children of different skill levels will be on a team. Each child needs encouragement to make progress at his or her own level and everyone's gains need to be pointed out during the season.
Teammates need to see that the coaches and parents are respectful of everyone's skills on the team. A tremendous benefit to being on a team is learning how to build positive relationships with peers outside of a school or classroom. Learning how to get along with a variety of people, not only the stars of the team, is important. Young athletes can begin to take pride in the accomplishments of their team and individual teammates, while also being supportive and understanding of a teammate who may be struggling with a new skill. Being a good friend on the field puts an emphasis on being a kind person. These athletes can gain the positive character traits of good sportsmanship and realize that not teasing a teammate who made a bad play is more important than the final score of the game.
Developing a competitive spirit during the elementary school years is also important. Young people learn to remain focused on a goal and to put in their full effort by participating in sports. They realize that their teammates and coaches are counting on them to do their best when they compete, and that it is irresponsible to be lazy or disinterested while competing. For young athletes, the focus should not be on the final score but on considering if they worked hard to master their developing skills and to support their teammates during practice and games. These athletes need to understand that they will not win every game, but they can be proud of themselves and their team when they compete to the best of their abilities.
Youth athletics is focused on the goals of positive youth development, fostering habits for healthy living, and responsible sportsmanship. Adults who keep this in mind in their role as a parent or a coach will keep children on a healthy pathway into adolescence and adulthood.
