The argument for and against year around specialization in sports is a tricky one.
At LetzGo Sports, we proudly embrace the motto, "We Play Everything!" We strive to offer young athletes diverse opportunities to explore various sports. However, the question arises: Is year-round dedication to a single sport beneficial or detrimental to a young athlete's development? The answer isn't straightforward, and here's why.
I recently had the privilege of listening to guest speaker Mark Derosa at the Cooperstown Under 12 baseball tournament in Cooperstown, PA. The retired Major League baseball veteran and the most recent Team USA World Baseball Classic head coach touched on several topics, including early specialization in sports. Mark's perspective was clear – kids should play everything. He emphasized the importance of keeping youth sports fun and lighthearted, especially "before they get their adult bodies." Mark suggested that specialization becomes relevant around puberty. It's a perspective that's challenging to dispute, although not everyone subscribes to this philosophy.
At LetzGo, another of our mottos is, "You can learn every life lesson through sports." One vital lesson is that not everything comes easy; some things require hard work. According to Amanda, a family friend and parent of Trey, their decision to engage in year-round hockey training stems from wanting to instill in their children the value of hard work. Trey, perennially on the cusp of making his team's AAA hockey roster, consistently puts in maximum effort, sacrificing other aspects of his life in preparation for tryouts.
If you were to ask Amanda about Mark Derosa's philosophy, she might express annoyance, pointing out that he was a starting Division 1 quarterback at the University of Pennsylvania. It seems "rich" for a multi-sport superstar to advocate for "just play everything" when, during his youth, he likely did not struggle to make the teams he tried out for. Nevertheless, at LetzGo, we appreciate both perspectives. We encourage kids to be kids, applauding the pursuit of excellence and strong work ethic, as well as families that prioritize balance, even if it means a demotion to AA, A, or house league. We recognize that extra training and high-level sports aren't economically feasible for every family. The crucial point to remember is that these young athletes will learn valuable lessons, and sports should serve as a tool to shape them into productive members of society.
Comments