Many parents understand that playing a single sport year-round prior to high school is not good for their kids. But they are stuck. There is no alternative. The time has come for the business of youth sports to take a back seat to the needs and well-being of the participants of youth sports. This article shows how. READ MORE
Today, a growing number of athletes are forced to dedicate their talents to just one sport much earlier in the game — but does that give them an edge? READ MORE
If you want your child to become a superstar hockey player, figure skater, or other athlete, when should they specialize in that one sport? READ MORE
Children’s sport has never been as serious in Canada as it is today. With the increased monetary reward of becoming a successful professional athlete, and the celebrity status that goes with it, more parents are dreaming of big achievement for their child. READ MORE
Early sport specialization is not a requirement for success at the highest levels of competition and is believed to be unhealthy physically and mentally for young athletes. It also discourages unstructured free play, which has many benefits. READ MORE
‘Early specialization right now is happening way too often,’ says Brad Lawlor. ‘We are seeing that our athletes don’t have an opportunity to miss our sport anymore. They are playing it all year round. Whether it’s a private camp, a league, or another league, there is no time to miss the sport.’ READ MORE
Young athletes need to engage in a variety of sports and not limit themselves to one. In addition to preventing burnout and lessening the chance for overuse injuries, multisport participation provides other benefits as well. READ MORE
Don’t try to convince Hockey Nova Scotia executive director Darren Cossar that off-season hockey schools, camps and leagues are essential for developing young players. He’s simply not buying that. READ MORE
Young athletes are some of the greatest players of these sports because they start fresh. If they are taught good fundamentals, they will be solid across the board in any sport they play. READ MORE