Michigan State did a study on 30,000 children – asking them “why do you play?” The #1 answer by far was because it’s fun.
Other notable discoveries from John O’Sullivan’s Change the Game Project:
- The single greatest effect on performance is an athlete’s state of mind
- Youth sports used to be about children competing against other children; now it is often adults competing against other adults through their children
- Children play sports because it is fun; winning comes in way down the list
- Children quit sports when they don’t get to play, and when winning becomes more important than enjoyment
- 90% of children would rather play on a losing team than sit the bench on a winning team
- Competition is important, but being competitive comes from putting the needs and priorities of our children first
- We can all start changing youth sports for the better by learning five simple words (watch to learn what they are)
