2008 Woodie Awards
Are parents obsessed with youth sports?
Taking Youth Sports to the Next Level
Adam Sollis
Issue date: 6/6/07 Section: Sports
Historically, youth sports have been for the most part limited to the Jr. High and High School JV and Varsity teams with the occasional summer Jr. Golf or Tennis tournament. Now according to authors of the book "The Young Athlete" there are close to 30 million boys and girls who participate in youth sports at a recreational or competitive level each year.
Youth sports have changed considerably over the years; parents today are getting their children involved in sports at a much younger age and at a much higher level of competition.
During the winter months it isn't uncommon to see an 11 year-old basketball team practicing 5 times a week along with playing in 1 or 2 games. Competitive soccer teams will have already played between 10 and 20 indoor soccer games during the winter while they prepare themselves for an outdoor season that is now just one month away. Many elementary age football and baseball teams are working with Sports Nutrition and Training Specialists to increase flexibility, speed, and agility in their players in an attempt to get an edge on the competition.
For just about any sport ranging from gymnastics to football to karate and soccer, children can be at risk of spending more time away from home in sporting activities than they spend in the home with the family.
"We like our boys to be active in sports, it teaches them discipline, hard work and commitment," former SLCC student Jeremy Johnson said.
Johnson's oldest boy has been involved in youth sports for the past 6 years and now plays for a competitive soccer and super league basketball teams.
"Along with sports we want our children to understand that life requires balance," Johnson said.
The Johnson family makes it a point for their children to participate in activities outside of sports to help them maintain perspective and balance. There is a premium placed on education and on serving others within the community.
When asked if parents are pushing sports on their children to aggressively Dale Kendall Head Coach of USA Revolution FC an 11 year old competitive soccer team said "There is always the chance that you may have a parent or two who cares more about the game than their child does, but for the most part, the boys are here because they enjoy the game and want to play."
Youth sports have changed considerably over the years; parents today are getting their children involved in sports at a much younger age and at a much higher level of competition.
During the winter months it isn't uncommon to see an 11 year-old basketball team practicing 5 times a week along with playing in 1 or 2 games. Competitive soccer teams will have already played between 10 and 20 indoor soccer games during the winter while they prepare themselves for an outdoor season that is now just one month away. Many elementary age football and baseball teams are working with Sports Nutrition and Training Specialists to increase flexibility, speed, and agility in their players in an attempt to get an edge on the competition.
For just about any sport ranging from gymnastics to football to karate and soccer, children can be at risk of spending more time away from home in sporting activities than they spend in the home with the family.
"We like our boys to be active in sports, it teaches them discipline, hard work and commitment," former SLCC student Jeremy Johnson said.
Johnson's oldest boy has been involved in youth sports for the past 6 years and now plays for a competitive soccer and super league basketball teams.
"Along with sports we want our children to understand that life requires balance," Johnson said.
The Johnson family makes it a point for their children to participate in activities outside of sports to help them maintain perspective and balance. There is a premium placed on education and on serving others within the community.
When asked if parents are pushing sports on their children to aggressively Dale Kendall Head Coach of USA Revolution FC an 11 year old competitive soccer team said "There is always the chance that you may have a parent or two who cares more about the game than their child does, but for the most part, the boys are here because they enjoy the game and want to play."
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