The Case for Multi-Sport
Sport Diversification Leads to Excellence
Research has shown that high performance athletes continually come from a diverse background in sport and activities rather than early specialization.
As we dream about the return to sport (crossing our fingers it will be in the near future), many of us may be thinking about summer camps and the beginning of the fall sport season for our children. Before clicking the "register now" button, consider the concept of sport diversification. Diversification or sport sampling refers to exposing young children to as many sports and physical activities as possible, with the focus on play, rather than practice.
Sport diversification in early childhood develops a broad range of motor skills, movement patterns, adaptability and sport experiences which creates balanced, well-rounded athletes.
There is an increasing trend of organizations, coaches and parents pushing young children towards sport specialization (limiting a child's participation to one sport with year-round training at the exclusion of other activities). Ironically, the intention to create an elite athlete through specialization often backfires, resulting in overuse injuries, physical and psychological burn-out and the development of a one-dimensional self-identity, adding pressure, unreasonable expectations and a higher percentage of drop-out.
With the exception of a handful of sports that require early specialization due to unique skills that must be learned before puberty (such as gymnastics, figure skating, diving and dance), waiting to specialize until at least ages 12-15 generally increases the chances of becoming a high performing athlete.
In fact, a study found that 88% of Division 1 intercollegiate athletes in the US had participated in 2 to 3 sports as children and nearly 70% delayed sports specialization until the age of 12 or older.
We know research has demonstrated the positive correlation between sport diversification as a youth and the chances of succeeding and becoming an elite athlete if they choose to, but let's look to one of the best Canadian basketball players of all time as an example.
NBA Hall of Famer, Steve Nash didn't even start playing basketball until age 12, and by that time he had already been playing soccer, tennis and hockey for years. By high school, Steve was competing in soccer, rugby and basketball. In a 2016 interview with Steve's dad, John Nash, he was asked if he had any suggestions for parents raising their kids in sports. As former elite athletes themselves, Steve's parents focused on encouragement and praise with their three kids.
“Remember that praise is the breakfast of champions. If you make something painful, your kids will go away from it. If you make it pleasurable, they will stay with it. Because praise is positive.
The other thing is to just expose them to as many options as possible. You’ve got to expose them to artwork, to history, to music. And try to expose them to all different sports. Soccer, baseball, tennis, golf and all the rest.”
Steve Nash…the hockey player?
During the early years, the multi-sport approach develops physical literacy and balanced athletes from a physical, mental and social perspective. Sport diversification is crucial for future athletic success and, most importantly, leads to the lifelong pursuit of leading active lifestyles.
Sources: Active for Life, Sport for Life Society of Canada, Sports Illustrated Kids, Journal of Athletic Training, Human Kinetics
We are eagerly awaiting the return to in-person classes and are extremely pleased with how the Spring Session kicked off! A huge shout out goes to our coaches, parents and participants for their amazing support, effort and safe practices which ensures that we can start up again as soon as restrictions are eased!
Check out some of the fun we've had so far!
Fall 2021 Session and Registration
Each session of Run.Jump.LEAD! is unique! Next session we will be tackling all new leadership concepts and physical literacy skills. No two classes are the same!
Fall planning is currently in full swing and we are firming up schedules with facility operators. Our Fall 2021 Session schedules will be released in early June and registration will open shortly afterwards. Days, times and locations will be similar to the Spring Session.
Phase 1: Pre-registration for participants who are currently registered in the Spring Session
Phase 2: Pre-registration for participants who were on a waitlist for classes in the Spring Session
Phase 3: General public
Our registration process is split into three phases:
Please stay tuned for exact registration dates, schedules and locations.