Why do kids play sport?
I played sports all of my life and I was really good at a lot of them…. never really great at any one in particular but I loved every single second I was out playing. Still do.
So I have to ask why….
Why in the recent literature on sport participation do we find that of the millions of kids who start playing sports each year 70% will drop out by the age of 13.
How can it be that so many kids want to quit something that to me is so great?
At 13 I was just getting started yet now 7 of 10 kids are dropping out at that age?
So first I asked..Why do kids play sports?
The over whelming and undisputed top answer in all of the relevant research is:
One, to have fun – kids just want to get out and have fun
The second reason is to be with friends
And winning… it doesn’t even crack the top 10 reasons of why kids like to play sport
So then why do they drop out??? There are a number of serious reasons here.
The Top 7 Reasons Kids Drop Out of Sport
1. They are sick & tired of being criticized
2. Tired of being yelled at
3. Afraid to make mistakes – afraid of being judged
4. Lack of playing time
5. To much focus on winning
6. Getting cut from a team – at the age of 6, 7 & 8
7. And, one of the worst times for a kid in sport – the ride home with their parents!!!!
Yes, there is something seriously wrong with the system when 7 of 10 kids are dropping out of sport for reasons like these.
So the next time you’re out with your kids watching or coaching a sport… sit back for a second… take in the scene and check out how great it is just to watch your kids play.
Thanks.
Jeff
