{"id":4961,"date":"2018-08-17T17:03:56","date_gmt":"2018-08-17T17:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=4961"},"modified":"2025-08-11T02:18:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T06:18:40","slug":"focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/","title":{"rendered":"Focus on Fun For Your Athletes, Not Scholarships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4963\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships-1.jpg\" alt=\"Focus on Fun For Your Athletes\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships-1-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helping_Kids_Experience_The_Benefits_of_Youth_Sports\"><\/span>Helping Kids Experience The Benefits of Youth Sports<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/#Helping_Kids_Experience_The_Benefits_of_Youth_Sports\" >Helping Kids Experience The Benefits of Youth Sports<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/#Youth_Sports_Benefits\" >Youth Sports Benefits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/#Average_kids_experience_many_natural_benefits_from_sports_such_as\" >Average kids experience many natural benefits from sports, such as:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/#Want_to_learn_more_about_how_to_help_kids_have_fun_and_experience_the_many_benefits_of_youth_sports\" >Want to learn more about how to help kids have fun and experience the many benefits of youth sports?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/#Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\" >Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/#Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\" >Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;If your overriding goal for youth sports is a Division I scholarship, you need to rethink your priorities,&#8221;<\/em> said Larry Stone, a sports parent for 27 years in a recent column that appeared in the Seattle Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;First of all, it\u2019s probably not going to happen \u2013 that\u2019s just the stark reality. Second of all, you\u2019re likely to spend so much money in that pursuit that it negates the value of what in most cases would be a partial scholarship anyway.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stone believes that many parents have their priorities backward when it comes to <strong>sports parenting,<\/strong> and he chooses to <strong>focus<\/strong> on <strong>having fun<\/strong> and savoring memories with his children&#8211;instead of hoping for fortune or fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;Third of all, if your kid has the talent, it will emerge clearly and emphatically on its own,&#8221;<\/em> he added in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth is, only 1.9% of high school athletes even play Division I athletics at all &#8211; let alone with a scholarship &#8211; leaving many families with substantial financial and <strong>emotional losses<\/strong> when their children do not make it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Youth_Sports_Benefits\"><\/span>Youth Sports Benefits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Families are more likely to benefit from <strong>youth sports<\/strong> if they <strong>focus<\/strong> on creating stronger, more <strong>focused,<\/strong> and <strong>happier<\/strong> children. And how learning <strong>mental skills<\/strong> in sports can be applied to life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;There\u2019s a dire need to make youth athletics less about select, premier and elite, and more about <strong>fun,<\/strong> participation, and recreation,&#8221;<\/em> Stone said in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also noted that this <strong>mindset<\/strong> creates an atmosphere where parents unnecessarily over-spend on sports and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, if parents invest lots of time and money into youth sports, kids feel <strong>pressured<\/strong> to perform. They often feel <strong>guilty,<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We find that athletes develop a need to payback parents for their investment in sports by performing well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This undermines their <strong>confidence<\/strong> in sports and hurts their experience, as we have explained in our articles and podcasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;If there\u2019s a choice between a $150 bat and a $300 bat, buy the $150 bat. Just trust me on this one,&#8221;<\/em> said Stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His point is simple but often underrepresented in today\u2019s sports <strong>culture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The intrinsic benefits of sports \u2013 gaining <strong>confidence,<\/strong> having <strong>fun,<\/strong> making friends- are much more significant to the average player then the extrinsic benefits such as scholarships or getting paid to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, average child athletes won\u2019t gain any extrinsic benefit from the sports they play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While that may sound negative, the <strong>positive<\/strong> comes from the flip side&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Average_kids_experience_many_natural_benefits_from_sports_such_as\"><\/span>Average kids experience many natural benefits from sports, such as:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learning how to play as part of a team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving discipline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developing a work ethic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting exercise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning mental skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, they gain <strong>mental game skills<\/strong> that can be transferred to other parts of their lives, including learning how to <strong>cope with pressure,<\/strong> improving their <strong>focus,<\/strong> and <strong>coping with anxiety,<\/strong> to name just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Want_to_learn_more_about_how_to_help_kids_have_fun_and_experience_the_many_benefits_of_youth_sports\"><\/span>Want to learn more about how to help kids have fun and experience the many benefits of youth sports?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Check out our latest program that provides strategies for boosting kids\u2019 confidence before games:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"related-articles-on-hockey-mental-game\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\"><\/span>Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/why-sports-must-be-fun-for-young-athletes\/\"><strong>Why Sports Must be Fun for Young Athletes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-young-athletes-have-more-fun\/\"><strong>Helping Young Athletes Have More Fun\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/should-parents-only-focus-on-fun-in-youth-sports\/\"><strong>Should Parents Only Focus on Fun in Youth Sports?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f49818fa-7c7a-4ee3-b5ee-66581aad2c71\">*Subscribe to<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\"><\/span><strong>Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mental-training-for-young-athletes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6868\" style=\"width:138px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re certain that, as a parent,&nbsp;you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life.&nbsp;And as a sports parent, you\u2019d love for your children to reach their potential in sports.&nbsp;But encouraging your child to <strong>strive for greatness without pressuring them<\/strong> can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today\u2019s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.<\/strong><br><strong>Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Helping Kids Experience The Benefits of Youth Sports &#8220;If your overriding goal for youth sports is a Division I scholarship, you need to rethink your priorities,&#8221; said Larry Stone, a sports parent for 27 years in a recent column that appeared in the Seattle Times. &#8220;First of all, it\u2019s probably &#8230; <a title=\"Focus on Fun For Your Athletes, Not Scholarships\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/focus-on-fun-for-your-athletes-not-scholarships\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Focus on Fun For Your Athletes, Not Scholarships\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,7,6],"tags":[309,612],"class_list":["post-4961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-parenting","category-sports-psychology-for-kids","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-confidence-in-youth-sports","tag-fun-in-youth-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4961"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4961\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}