Youth Sports Research Paper

In society today, sports plays a big part in many of our lives, whether it be participating, coaching, or spectating. We are constantly surrounding ourselves with it. Over the last two decades the growth of youth sports has reflected the popularity of professional sports in our society. The youth of our generation has the opportunity to play sports in many ways. They can opt to play in a local league, with their church, or even at school. But there are many aspects of youth sports that can be controversial. These can include but are not limited to the building of character and self-esteem, individual sports vs team sports and lastly, gender differences and its affects our youth. Going over these will allow one to see the many advantages and disadvantages there are to sports amongst youths. The main facet of youth sports that is discussed the most is whether or not it is beneficial to the child. Does it build self-esteem? According

Youth sports is supposed to be a time for the child have fun with friends and be able to run around and play. However in society today, many parents have taken over and pushed children to perform perfectly. Even though many parents have good intentions, it may seem that they are trying to meet their own need through their child. It may be because they were not given the opportunity to play as a child so they force their child to live out their dreams. "A lot of parents have a belief that says, 'How well my kid does on the field reflects on me as a parent,'" says Jim Thompson, founder of the Positive Coaching Alliance. Parents can create a higher level of stress and anxiety for the child. By putting pressure and creating the mentality that to have to win can have negative effects on the young athlete. If the child is not able to perform to perform as expected by coaches or parents may lose confidence and create a negative