The Chaotic World of Youth Sports — Vol 58

As a sports parent and coach, I know how complicated youth sports can be at times. So I’d like to share some helpful articles that shed light on the challenges we face… and some funny ones that might even give us an opportunity to laugh at ourselves. Please enjoy… and please click here to try our iSport360 app, which is the first-ever mobile platform to help kids, coaches and parents have a better youth sports experience.

For Crazy Sports Parents (Like Me): This Is The First Step To Recovery

I can’t thank Sports Nova Scotia enough for this hysterical satire of a Sport Parent “Support Group”. While it’s great for a laugh, what I loved about it is that it touches on all of the serious topics that we cover in our blog: early sports specialization, having realistic expectations about your kids and balancing fun vs. winning.  So have a laugh, but take a lesson….and let’s keep the focus of youth sports on our kids. Click here to watch the video.

Despite World Cup, Youth Soccer Participation Is Falling Steadily In America

Applause to the New York Times for covering iSport360’s strong message to youth sports administrators, coaches and parents: High costs and increased pressure at young ages is pushing kids to quit soccer and youth sports on the whole.  The New York Times reports that in the last 3 years, soccer participation has decreased 14% among 6-12 year olds according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Click here to read the full article.

The importance of hydration for good health and properly functioning body systems cannot be overstated, especially for the young athlete. According to researcher Dr. Susan Yeargin from the University of South Carolina, up to 75 percent of young athletes aged eight to 18 are dehydrated before they even arrive at practice. Click here to read the full article.