Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

Youth sports have become a territory where the pressure to be the best is more important than enjoying the game and playing for fun. The commercialization of all youth sports has pushed many parents to make their children specialize in one sport at an early age, by putting them in multiple leagues for a single sport and signing up for private lessons. Parents do this because they are told to do so by travel team officials and if they do not, they are judged. This mindset has created unrealistic expectations, convincing parents that their child is going to be an elite, Division I or professional athlete. These unrealistic expectations being put on these children is creating physical, developmental, and emotional problems for them at a young age (Waleriańczyk, 2023). The result of this is creating widespread burnout in youth sports, as well as mental health struggles. This project details the negative consequences associated with youth sports becoming so competitive for young children. Then, recommended changes that need to be implemented are discussed, with the focus on making youth sports focused on development, rather than winning at all costs. Shifting this mindset can turn youth sports back into a space for learning and joy.

Advisor

Dr. Ray Schneider

Second Reader

Dr. Meredith Flaherty

Semester

Fall

Year

2025

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Sport Administration

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