As I type this, I’m half-listening to the weather channel, anxiously checking for rain. I’m hoping it holds off just long enough for my five-year-old’s final little league game of the season. It’s Sunday morning, and while I recognize the benefits of being on a baseball team, I wouldn’t mind cozying up with my coffee instead.
Even if today’s game is a washout, he’ll have another chance next year. I still have the say in that matter. Plus, he’s starting to really enjoy the game. At five years old, he’s not quite all in yet—he still has moments where he plops down in the infield or spends innings in the dugout asking for snacks. But his enthusiasm is growing, especially as he improves. He can hit, throw, and sometimes even prevent a ball from rolling past him! At this age, it’s more about exploring than competing.
But as he grows older, competition may come into play, and he could very well be among the 70% of kids who disengage from organized sports by age 13, according to recent data. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine, depending on the reasons behind it.
Right now, at this tender age, participation is crucial. Young kids benefit immensely from youth sports; they promote teamwork, provide exercise, and instill discipline. These early experiences set the stage for a lifetime of physical activity, and if they don’t get started young, they may miss out on discovering a passion or talent. My son will continue playing little league and community sports for the foreseeable future.
However, as he matures, I’m totally okay with him stepping back—provided he has valid reasons. If he loses interest due to overzealous parents or a toxic culture that prioritizes winning over enjoyment, that’s a reflection on us as adults. The Changing The Game Project highlights that many kids leave sports for reasons that are largely linked to negative experiences imposed by adults.
The top reasons kids walk away from sports include losing the fun, spending too much time on the bench, and the fear of making mistakes. These issues often stem from adults misguiding kids about what sports are supposed to be. Until they reach high school, most games aren’t about real stakes; they should be enjoyable! It’s our responsibility to make sure kids remain engaged and happy.
Eventually, likely around the time my son turns 13, I’ll support his decision to pursue other interests—so long as he stays active in some form. If his passion shifts elsewhere, or he realizes he’s not as competitive as others at the junior high or high school levels, that’s completely acceptable. There are countless ways to find exercise, teamwork, and personal growth outside of organized sports.
Competitive sports aren’t for everyone; I stepped back in high school myself. I didn’t physically measure up and found it disheartening to always be sitting on the bench. I still enjoyed informal games with friends and intramural activities in college, focusing on fun rather than victory. Unless your child is on the fast track to professional sports, enjoyment should be the priority. If organized sports stop being enjoyable for my teen, I’ll gladly encourage him to seek his happiness elsewhere.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to persuade my son to get into his baseball uniform. It isn’t raining yet, and he’s not 13, so let’s make the most of this game!
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In summary, while engaging in organized sports can be beneficial for children, it’s essential that they maintain their enjoyment. If they stop having fun, it’s perfectly acceptable to let them find their own path, whether that be in sports or other interests.