The answer is yes! Youth sports can and should be both fun and competitive. Your child should not give up “fun” when they start playing in more competitive leagues. Fun is not about gaining pleasure all the time from an activity. Having fun is more about the overall “enjoyment” your child has while participating in a sport.
Here are four tips to help keep the “fun” in check during your child’s youth sports career.
1. Set an Achievable Goal
What is your child looking forward to the most during the sports season? What is their version of fun and success? Asking these few questions can help spark a conversation about goal setting.
If your child is new to a sport, maybe their goal is to score a touchdown in football or a goal or two in soccer. Or for your smallest athletes, it could be as simple as “being the best teammate.” If your child is a more experienced player, their goal could be to increase their basketball free-throw percentage by 15% compared to the previous season.
Learning to set goals is a great tool to help your child grow and improve their athletic skills, especially as they continue to grow and develop in a sport. As their #1 fan, you can help them celebrate team wins but also personal wins with goal setting throughout the season!
2. Make a “My Goal” Poster
Now that you’ve helped your child set their goal, it’s time to help them visualize their goal on a poster, so it’s easier for them to achieve!
Have your child write their goal on a poster with at least three steps that will help them achieve success. Let them have fun with the poster by also adding pictures of their favorite athletes printed from online or cut out from magazines, along with inspirational quotes to help motivate them throughout the season.
Hang the poster where your child can see it every day, and also share this goal with their coach so they can also support your athlete during the season.
3. Talk about Your Athlete’s Progress
It’s good to have check-ins with your child throughout the season to evaluate their progress. Especially if your child is new to a sport, they may need extra encouragement. If they are getting frustrated with themselves or having a hard time mastering a skill, remind them to focus on their progress and effort, not always the initial outcome. Celebrate the little wins they have along the way to achieving their goal. When they can see their progress, even the smallest things can help them have more fun and enjoy playing!
One way to engage your child with their goal poster throughout the season is for them to identify the steps/skills they have completed toward their goal with check marks or fun stickers. Mastering particular skills are especially important in progressing in competitive leagues but also teaches your athlete that they are accountable for their success, a Signature Prep R.A.I.S.E. value.
4. Encourage a positive attitude and sportsmanship
Sports can be a great way to meet new friends and build your child’s social confidence.
Encourage your athlete to be a “we player,” not a “me player.” A “we player” understands that he or she is a part of a team and is committed to helping the team win and have fun.
Respect is an essential attribute to becoming a successful athlete. At Signature Prep, coaches teach athletes to respect themselves, their teammates, and even players on the opposing teams. Showing respect for others can build friendships, provide better team chemistry, and ultimately create a fun atmosphere for the athletes to learn and grow together into the next level.
Signature Prep Charter School supports the growth of athletes from elementary through middle school levels. At Signature Prep, your child can participate in their favorite sports such as flag football, cross country, cheer leading and dance, basketball, bowling, soccer, track & field, eSports, and more! Learn more about Signature Prep and their sports and extracurricular programs on their website or schedule a tour of their school by calling or texting (702) 789-7626.
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