Supporting high-performance athletes should begin when they are young, and their concepts of self, belonging, and competition are forming. Unfortunately, most parents and coaches prioritize the game itself, focusing more on physical training and winning while neglecting to develop young minds. They often wait until significant challenges like anxiety, burnout, anger, and depression arise before bringing in a sports psychologist or therapist—even then with a short-term, "fix this kid" attitude.

The statistics are concerning. USA Today (2024) suggests that 70% of kids drop out of their sport by 13, and even younger kids are losing interest under intense pressure to perform. At what cost are we willing to push our kids so we can brag about them? Coaches find themselves caught in the middle, facing pressure from schools or clubs to please fee-paying parents, often unable to speak truthfully about an athlete's lack of dedication for fear of repercussions.

A sizable gap exists between expectations and reality in youth sports, and it's not getting any smaller. It doesn't have to be this way, but the longer we avoid addressing it honestly and collaboratively, the greater the........

© Psychology Today