Youth sports improves a child’s life in so many ways. Children learn to cooperate with others, reach goals, bounce back after defeat and the importance of physical fitness. But youth sports also teaches a number of valuable life and leadership skills that follow a child into adulthood.
A recent research report published by Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management found a direct correlation between participating in a youth sport and greater leadership abilities. An added bonus was that people carried positive habits learned by playing sports in high school throughout their entire lives, well into their 70s and 80s. Parents and coaches play a vital role in keeping young athletes grounded and on track. If your child is in a sports program or you’re a coach, you have a responsibility to ensure the program is teaching those vital life skills. Here’s how to find the best program for your child.It Comes from the TopIf you’re a coach or a parent, your job first and foremost is to set a great example. If you scream at players on your child’s team or the opposing team, it won’t be your lectures about sportsmanship your child follows. Your conduct on and off the field has to be exemplary in every way. What happens if you lose it in front of your child? You’re human. It could happen. But, instead of ignoring your behavior, explain to your child that you made a mistake and why what you did was wrong. Parents have a duty to watch how they speak about their child’s coach both on the field and off. Avoid criticizing a coach’s actions in front of your child. If you have a legitimate concern, have a private meeting with the coach to discuss those issues.Parents also have to make sure the program they choose for their child in the first place emphasizes good sportsmanship and a positive atmosphere. Speaking of MistakesLearning from mistakes and taking responsibility is part of being an adult. Children, out of embarrassment or shame, often try to shift the blame to someone else. When young athletes make mistakes, reasonable parents and coaches remind them to take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them. The Art of ResilienceNothing prepares tomorrow’s leaders more than learning to get back up after defeat and trying again. And, nothing teaches resilience better than youth sports. Children learn they won’t always win. They learn they might sit on the bench sometimes. They learn their teammates are human and make mistakes. No athlete wins the contest every time. But every athlete is a winner if they get back up and try again. That’s the message the best coaches and parents convey. Big Picture VisionThe most successful leaders look not at the ups and downs of each day, but the big picture. They keep the long-range goal in mind. They know if a co-worker makes a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. Mistakes happen. What counts is what you do after to get back on track. That’s exactly what a positive youth sports experience teaches a child. It’s About the TeamGreat youth sports parents, coaches and programs teach the value of the team as a whole. If a teammate makes a mistake, encourage them to refocus and try again. Prohibit taunting. Instead, build a culture of caring and a “We’re all in this together” attitude. That’s what a great leader does.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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