Changing the Game in Youth Sports

What are the five simple words that parents can say to their children that will always motivate them?

John O’Sullivan takes a look at youth sports and what motivates children to take part in sport.

So why do children play sports?

And why do children quit sports?

How can we change the way sport is played to ensure children participate in sports for longer?

… and what are the five simple words parents can say to their children that will motivate them?

Watch this short video… it will change the way parents support their children at sporting events.

Some takeaways that John feels are important include:

• The single greatest effect on performance is an athlete’s state of mind
• Youth sports used to be about children competing against other children; now it is often adults competing against other adults through their children
• Children play sports because it is fun; winning comes in way down the list
• Children quit sports when they don’t get to play, and when winning becomes more important than enjoyment
• 90% of children would rather play on a losing team than sit the bench on a winning team
• Competition is important, but being competitive comes from putting the needs and priorities of our children first
• We can all start changing youth sports for the better by learning five simple words (watch to learn what they are)