Early specialisation involves intensive year-round training in a single sport from a young age. Research shows that specialization too early causes overuse injuries, burnout, and dropout rates, and unexpectedly, a decrease in overall athletic development. Experts state that early specialization can also lead to emotional and family costs. Other research findings have explained that multi-sport participation can result in more well-rounded athletes, greater long term success, and more importantly, lifelong enjoyment of and participation in sports. Early accolades do not necessarily guarantee success later in children’s lives, as the examples below demonstrate:

• Tim Duncan (Five-time NBA Champion) started swimming and only later changed to basketball.
• Alex Morgan (Olympic football player) only started playing football when she was 13 years old.
• Clay Matthews (Super Bowl Champion and six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection) was not given an athletic scholarship until his junior year.
• Roberta Vinci (Professional tennis player) reached a Top 10 ranking for the first time at the age of 33.
• Angelique Kerber (professional tennis player), became the oldest first-time number one ranked player in tennis at 28 years old.

PRESSURE ON PARENTS

In this day and age of superstars like Emma Raducanu, Bukayo Saka and James LeBron, there is pressure on parents to specialise early, and if they choose not to, their child will never become a superstar. It is with this theory in mind that youth sports are currently not positioned for the benefit of children and having fun. Programming in youth sports has become big business, as they are catering to the dreams parents have for their children as opposed to what is best for their children. An entire industry has materialized that comprises of private coaches, after-school sports programs, and summer sports camps relaying the message that early specialization is required for young athletes’ long term success.

Parent Tip: Your child is more likely to become a teacher, fireman, entrepreneur, or lawyer than a professional athlete. It is important, then, that you clearly understand what you want your child’s organised youth sport participation to yield. Check in with them from season to season to ensure you are pursuing the same goals as them!