Youth Sports Specialization

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Specialization in Youth Sports Why are children in sports? Many children would say that they are in sports to have fun or meet new friends. Others would say that they are in a sports because they love it. Some might even say they want to be the best. In order to become the best at a sport, some parents have their child specialize in one sport so they will become the best. While this is one way of thinking about how to have a child excel at a sport, it is not beneficial. It can cause injuries and children may not enjoy the sport as much as they use to. While specialization in youth sports could help them be the best, it will actually have a negative effect on their health and well-being in the future. Although some children who specialize …show more content…

While some children will get a scholarship, many athletes will not. There are seven million high school athletes and only enough room for two percent on the roster ("Athletic Scholarship Statistics."). There are many athletes competing for spots to get into sports. If the athlete gets on the team, there is a one percent chance that they will get a full ride to that school ("Athletic Scholarship Statistics."). Only two percent of athletes in college will get a scholarship for playing on a sports team. This is mainly because only eighteen percent of colleges and universities are division one schools ("Athletic Scholarship Statistics."). Division one and two schools can both give scholarships, but most athletes are looking for very high competition. Also if a child gets injured, they could lose their scholarship to the school. This is very hard for many children because it is their way of affording college. If they lose a scholarship, it will be harder for them to continue. If they think that they are guaranteed a scholarship and end up not getting one, some will not be able to attend. Even if a child could get into college sports because of specializing in their sports, it is unlikely that they will get a scholarship for

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