MID-MISSOURI – Organized youth sports are on the decline in many communities across the country. According to Forbes, in 2022, kids played fewer team sports than in the previous four years including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
KRCG met with those involved in youth sports in the mid-Missouri area to find out what factors are driving kids out of sports and how we can better encourage our athletes. And what they think is driving the decline as well as the important lessons taught through sports.
According to Business Insider, 45% of US children aged 6 through 12 played a team sport in 2008.
That number dropped to just 37% in 2021.
Steve Schellman, senior program manager for youth sports for Jefferson City Parks and Rec, says one of the most important aspects of youth sports that is often overlooked is the lessons participants can take away from the experience.
“They learn a lot of life skills like hard work, teamwork, perseverance, dedication, goal setting.” He added, “I think it’s concerning for everybody in the community. Youth sports have a lot of valuable things to offer. There’s a lot of health benefits, physical health, mental health, mental well-being.”
Ross Whelan, owner of Skyhawks Sports Academy Mid-Missouri in Columbia, says he agrees with Schellman. But he says burnout is a real thing and is hurting overall participation numbers.
“I think maybe the number one factor would be the competitiveness that not only the coaches, but maybe even the parents or guardians, put on their kids at a young age.”
Schellman says parents should remember to let their kids enjoy the experience of playing sports, especially at a young age.
“You know we just need to remind ourselves to relax. Let your kids have fun, that’s why they play. Don’t try to live vicariously through your kid through their sports experience.”
Schellman adds the best thing you can tell your young athlete after a game is that you love to watch them play.
Encouragement from parents has a far-lasting impact rather Whelan says.
“You know, instead of yelling at the ref, or the coach, or those kinds of things and being negative, I would say bringing that positive attitude towards the game.”
While also encouraging parents to make sure their young athletes are striking a balance.
“Let’s call it 12-15 hours a week, if you if you want to really see your skills improve. I think you have to be careful with that because kids can get burned out. We think of them as not getting burned OUT. But, if they are not having fun doing what they are doing it becomes even easier for them to say, you know, I don’t want to do this anymore.”
And in the end, all agree it is best to let kids enjoy the experience.
Schellman says “Well just making sure it’s always about the kids, you know, making sure they are always having fun.” Ross adds, “You know positivity and then the same thing with, you know being an overbearing parent you know, positivity can go such a long way in helping the kid, create confidence to want to go out and work on the things that they need to work on.”
If you are looking to get your younger athlete involved in youth sports this spring and summer CLICK HERE for Jefferson City Parks and Rec opportunities. CLICK HERE for Skyhawk Sports Academy mid-Missouri Columbia opportunities. CLICK HERE for Columbia Parks and Rec opportunities.