Character: Why Does Youth Sports Builds Good Character

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One of the claims of youth sports is that it builds good character. While this is a true statement, why does youth sports build good character? How is character determined and what is it about youth sports that instills character? According to Webster, character is defined as a way a person thinks, behaves or feels; but what defines good character? According to the 6 pillars of good character, a person with good character is a person who is honest, trustworthy, responsible, respectful, fair and caring. Do sports build these characteristics? Sports can very well build good character but all the same they can be detrimental to character as well. What determines whether or not sports will build or break down character? According to research, …show more content…

Of course, this starts with the individual athlete’s family. For youth athletes, their character is determined by their family’s mindset. A young athlete whose family teaches them to love the sport, go in with a positive attitude, have a healthy mindset about competition, and not to get discouraged by “losses”, will fare better than a young athlete whose family teaches the opposite. All the same, a young athlete who has family that teaches them to “win at all cost” instead of focusing on the fun and learning in sports will suffer a great deal in terms of character …show more content…

Much like character development, fostering self-esteem in young athletes is dependent upon the way the sport is presented. If the sport is presented in a way that instills confidence and security, sports can instill or improve self-esteem. Once again, it is not the sport in itself that instills self-esteem but rather the way the sport is presented. However, there is a link between self-esteem and physical activity that may have a lot to do with why and how youth players can develop healthy self-esteem from sports. “Furthermore, in terms of child development, positive parental involvement can help develop important skills such as self-esteem, motivation and social skills”(Quinton)

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