Why do kids

QUIT SPORTS?

By Jim Fallis

According to a recent report bythe National Association of YouthSports, by the age of 13, 70% ofkids will stop playing organizedsports.

What's causing this exodus?

There are a number of factors:higher rates of injury for youthathletes, stress from the intensityof competition, and just growingolder.

With these factors in mind, it's upto us, as coaches and parents, tomake youth sports engaging andfun for kids.

BUT HOW?

Don't make kids feel like theyneed to win at all costs or winan Olympic medal by age 10.Let them enjoy the game and

just have fun!

1. Make it fun!

2. Educateparents

Explain the importance ofyouth participation to theparents and explain tothem what their role

should be.

3. Be CreativeFigure out a way for each childand each member of the team toexperience some growth as a

result of playing.

4. Inspire Kids toSucceed

Modify the activity so that allkids are challenged and thelargest possible number getto experience success.

As the coach, it's yourresponsibility to either becreative or become creative

to make this happen.

I always tell youth coaches thattheir job is not to create the nextOlympic champion, as thatcomes from within; only theplayer can decide that's whatthey want. Instead, the coach'sjob is to keep youth athletesengaged until that inner sparkignites!

Once that happens, the coachesand parents won't be able tokeep up with the desire andwillpower that child has found.

If we can get kids involved andleaving the playing field excitedand wanting more, then we willsee greater retention and longerparticipation in youth sports, andthat's something to get excitedabout.

For more informationabout youth sports,visit JimFallis.net!