Youth Sports Persuasive Essay

The Never-Ending Season

There was a time when youth sports meant kids and their friends had fun running around playing seasonal sports in the neighborhood or someone’s backyard without the involvement of any adults. Children would deal with conflicts during neighborhood pick-up games by “bucking up” (an equivalent to today’s rock-paper-scissors). Left on their own, children would explore and identify their own interests in physical activity and sports. Kids would stop playing when they were tired, hungry or when the streetlights went on unless an adult whistled them home. If a child were hurt while participating in a pickup game, he would stop playing. No one would pressure him to play on. Injuries sustained as a result of neighborhood games would be minor injuries or broken bones that would heal over time. Back then, families enjoyed home cooked meals together every night and would spend Sunday as a day of rest. These were the times when children enjoyed playing a variety of self-directed games, developed age-appropriate basic skills, and physical growth was balanced. Today, youth sports has become

Lessons are taught and learned that hard work pays off, how to be a supportive member of a team, to lose with dignity, and win graciously. Young athletes learn about team loyalty, mental toughness and responsibility. They learn how to make sacrifices for the team and how to set and achieve goals. Player’s skills are developed; kids are exposed to physical exercise, and build self esteem all while having fun. However, none of these benefits are guaranteed as a result of participation in sports or specialization. In order for our young athletes to have a rewarding experience, the parents and coaches that are involved in youth sports must demonstrate positive behavior, provide proper training, give encouraging feedback, and keep the health and well-being of the athlete as the utmost priority (Merkel,