“Concentrate!” A stern face, intense look and arms across the chest. A one-word order for primary-aged daughters. It’s the start of a tennis lesson, and the children have already clocked two hours of practice with their dad beforehand.

It doesn’t stop there. The stories of unkind adult behaviour at youth sport events are endless, and alarmingly persistent. As a tennis coach and an academic researching sport, I’ve heard of – or witnessed myself – shouting, belittling, blaming, name calling and cheating. Even full-blown fist fights at under-eight events.

Youth sport can grant many health benefits. It can contribute to physical fitness, social development and mental wellbeing. But it’s essential that young players thrive in environments that emphasise play, autonomy and creativity, rather than rigid structures designed and controlled by adults.

So often, youth sports sell a dream. Don’t you want to be the next Novak Djoković or Serena Williams? The next Jude Bellingham or Simone Biles? But this can lead to a toxic culture of relentless training, high-stakes pressure and demanding competition focused on young children, with little evidence of its value.

Hobbies can bring joy, wellbeing and focus to our busy lives, but so many of us don’t have........

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