Participation in Youth Sports Declining: Part 3
Haven Callahan, 12, of the Midway Grizzlies sits on the bleachers before a football game.
{Brooke Maners/Davidson Local}
Participation in Youth Sports Declining is a series of articles by staff writer, Brooke Maners. Parts ones and two can be found here and here. This is the final article in the series.
Haven Callahan, 12, said he became involved with sports in Davidson County when he was three years old. He did gymnastics, karate and played c-ball. Callahan continued playing baseball until he was nine then lost interest. He has played football since he was old enough to play. Due to Covid, he didn’t play last year, but plans to try out for the North Davidson Middle School football team this upcoming season.
Callahan says, ”I feel like a lot of little kids sometimes play sports just because their parents want them to and just to make them happy. I did that when I was little, too. In middle school and high school, you start making more of your own decisions, and it's easier to tell your parents what you do or don't want to play. Everyone needs to be active, but you have to figure out what you like doing for yourself”.
According to the Sport’s Matter’s statistics, student-athletes are less likely to be depressed, have higher self-esteem, are more likely to excel academically, and are more motivated to attend college. George Washington University sports management professor, Lisa Delpy Neirotti stated “If we’re really looking at being a more inclusive and healthier society, we should probably get these kids playing together more out on the field.”
Jimmy Davis, a former coach for more than 20 years in Davidson county says, ”Not everyone is going to be an athlete, but all children deserve the chance to be. How do you know what you’re capable of, if you’re never given the opportunity to try?”
It's certainly true, not everyone is an athlete, or even desires to be, and that is completely ok! There are plenty of other activities for children to develop the same life skills.
Andrew Lance, parks and recreation manager for the city of Lexington elaborates, “Kids today have so many options available to them for programming. Both in sports and other programs offered to them, and also in academic and social programs.”
Lance lists a few of the athletic programs and activities available to kids in Davidson County: Lexington Parks and Recreation Leagues (multiple sports), Davidson County Parks and Recreation Leagues (multiple sports), Thomasville and Lexington YMCA leagues (multiple sports), Davidson County Booster Club Programs (multiple sports), Davidson County Youth Soccer Association, AAU Football, AAU basketball, AAU baseball, AAU softball, DCAA swimming, DYLA girls lacrosse, youth wrestling, boys lacrosse, DC Revolution Mountain Bike team, Lexington Skate Park, mountain biking trails, disc golf, Lexington Golf Club, Elevated Wake Park, and more.
“Then add in other programs like scouts, karate, dance, gymnastics, art, music, theater, church, school, afterschool, tutoring, STEM, and any of the other number of hobbies kids have,” said Lance. “This is a quick illustration of what structured programs are offered. Sports can be a fantastic avenue for kids to experience new things, learn life lessons, and get active. There are so many different opportunities for kids out there to try things, and many groups and organizations committed to offering high quality programs for kids. This fall Lexington Parks and Recreation will also be offering girl’s lacrosse, flag football, and adult kickball, along with a full slate of youth and adult programs like art, cooking, STEM, crafts, and more.”
Todd Rausch, head coach of Oak Grove High School’s boy’s varsity basketball team, and president and founder of the Carolina Impact Travel Athletics Association recounts what playing sports has meant to his own life.
“Personally, sports gave me and my wife both so many life experiences and opportunities. We've experienced different parts of the country and world because of college basketball. We have life long friends that we played rec ball, high school, college etc. with. It’s actually what led my wife and I to meet, as we were both graduate assistant coaches at NC State University. Now, we have two beautiful kids that are going through the same trials and tribulations of athletics and we get to work together building the Oak Grove basketball programs.”
Rausch continues, telling the value of participating in team sports,“ You learn how to work together with other kids, learn leadership skills, learn how to push yourself past mental or physical boundaries, learn how to deal with both success and failure and you see that hard work and dedication can lead to success. We don’t all need trophies.
When discussing the comparison of adults who participated in sports growing up, to those who did not, Rausch adds, “I can tell you that my better employees experienced the team work, the successes and the failures that sports force you to learn. They use those experiences to make our professional teams in our business much better.”
Traditionally, sports have always been a great way for children to learn valuable life skills, social skills, respect, discipline, loyalty, dedication, teamwork, cooperation, goal setting, sportsmanship, and how to maintain peer relationships.
Mandy Kiser, mother of a local student athlete, adds, “it’s pretty well known that kids active in sports statistically are less likely to be involved in bad situations, making bad decisions, or to fall in with the wrong crowd, etc., because they are busy, not bored.”
Brody Maners, 15, plays football for North Davidson High school, and says he has played sports his entire life. He contributes, “Playing sports has helped me to get in, and stay in shape, it’s given me self-esteem, and has taught me to have a strong work ethic. And I’ve made some great friends too.”
Brody Maners (in the center with the blue shirt), 15, posing with teammates after a muddy North Davidson football practice. {Contributed photo}
With the drastic growing number of children quitting sports before they even turn 11, how could this be a win for anyone? What can be done to help remedy this downward trend?
“That’s the big question, responds Lance. “Connecting with kids and their parents, and getting them excited about sports again will certainly help. Offering programs that are engaging, and then following through with a good experience for both the player and the parents is key.”
Rausch says, “Great question, but I certainly don’t have a good answer.”
Davis adds, “It’s up to us as adults in the community. It is the responsibility of the coaches, parents, booster clubs, and recreation departments to inspire positive experiences and development for these kids. And, we have to make it affordable so all kids have the equal opportunity to play and be successful.”
