If peewee athletes remind you of Labrador retrievers at KVI Beach (get the ball, get the ball, get the ball…) older children seem more like big-cat cubs, learning to wait for, or create, an opening to pounce.
Sports can have a profound and positive impact on our youth, but only if those of us who work with young athletes craft programs that foster participation, embrace long-term learning and reward effort — even into the teen years.
There’s an effort afoot on Vashon to broaden discussion about effective attitudes towards youth sports, and raise awareness about how kids benefit from competition and age-appropriate skill development.
