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Why Kids Play

by John O'Sullivan / Thursday, 05 September 2013 / Published in Coaching, Messages for Kids, Problems in Youth Sports, Sports Parenting

One of the great divides in youth sports is the divide between why kids say they play, and why parents and coaches think they play! Lucky for us this issue has been studied numerous times, all over the world, by institutions of higher learning. The results are quite profound. Check out my latest video to learn more.

According to the University of Notre Dame, kids play because:

  • Its Fun!
  • They Like Learning!
  • They Like Being with Their Friends!
  • They Enjoy the Excitement of Competition!

Why do they quit?

  • Criticism and Yelling
  • Boredom
  • Emphasis on Winning!
  • Lack of Playing Time

Notice that your kids do not play to win, but they may quit because of an emphasis on winning!

The most amazing thing I have found is that these statistics not only apply to recreational athletes, but elite amateur and professionals as well. Listen to the video to hear about the findings of Dr Dan Friegang, Sports Psychologist for US Soccer, USA Hockey, and US Skiing. His findings are amazing!

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Tagged under: coaching, competition, confidence, family values, mindset for athletes, parenting, positive sports experiences, problems in youth sports, state of mind

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6 Comments to “Why Kids Play”

  1. Friday Night Tykes | Youth Sports | | Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    January 21, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    […] to early in sports, selecting “elite” teams at far to young an age, and ignoring the reasons why kids play sports in the first […]

  2. 5 Thoughts That Will Change Your Youth Sports Experience for the Better | Hockey Family Advisor says : Reply
    January 26, 2014 at 2:27 am

    […] 3. According to the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Ethical Education, research shows that kids play sports for the following reasons: […]

  3. The Massive Importance of Free Play for Young Athletes | Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    March 4, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    […] feedback needed to develop skill, the flame must be fed primarily by the athlete and not the coach. Kids play sports because they are fun. Sports must belong to them.  Play instills this type of love and makes it fun, while practice […]

  4. Our Unhealthy Obsession with Childhood Athletic Success | Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    May 14, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    […] current system is killing our young athletes’ enthusiasm and love of sports. Our identification and celebration of success at a young age, with its accompanying creature […]

  5. 5 Thoughts That Will Change Your Youth Sports Experience for the Better | Steve Nash Youth Basketball Blog says : Reply
    June 30, 2015 at 10:25 am

    […] According to the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Ethical Education, research shows that kids play sports for the following reasons: […]

  6. The Importance of Play – Soccer Toolbox says : Reply
    October 15, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    […] needed to develop skill, the flame must be fed primarily by the athlete and not the coach. Kids play sports because they are fun. Sports must belong to them.  Play instills this type of love and makes it fun, while practice […]

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