Youth Sport: What's Happening

If you are not familiar with the Aspen Institute's Project Play, here is a quick low down. This platform was established by the Sport and Society Program in 2013. The PP's next Summit, supported by Michelle Obama, among other well-known advocates, will take place this May, to discuss more ways to lower the overwhelming dropout rate in youth sports. The program promotes 8 core strategies, including a global push for "physical literacy" -- the understanding and motivation to live a continuously healthy, active lifestyle. On the surface, it may not seem injurious when children quit youth sport activities. But in fact, there are dire, long term consequences for physical inactivity and withdrawal from sport-related socialization. As a consultant with youth athletes, every day I hear personal stories of both triumph and defeat. My athletes and I discuss how to handle their nerves, how to focus and refocus after a mistake, methods for better coach-athlete communications skills, relaxation, visualization and so forth. But, even with the aforementioned recognized techniques, there is one concept, a simple question that seems to relieve the most pressure. I simply ask; "Do you think other people are nervous in sport?" And with the distinct blank stare and catered moment of silence, I am able to share: "Even the most famous, professional athletes suffer from butterflies." Their shoulders drop and faces light up. This is often when I gain their undivided attention. Our young athlet...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news