Yesterday evening was one of my favorite evenings of the entire year.   It was both a blessing and opportunity for us to acknowledge the volunteer efforts of the many citizens within Arvada and the Apex PRD district boundary that help with our many youth sports organizations.   It was privilege to meet with all of the honored volunteers and the Apex staff that are involved in helping organize or provide support to our local youth sports organizations.

Research has shown that in addition to improved physical health, sport plays a primary (positive) role in youth development, including improved academic achievement, higher self-esteem, fewer behavioral problems, and better psychosocial disposition. The essence of sport revolves around the five “C’s”—competence, confidence, connections, character, and caring—which are considered critical components of positive youth development. It has long been thought that the many facets of playing sport—the discipline of training, learning teamwork, following the leadership of coaches and captains, learning to win and lose with dignity—provide lifelong skills that are used on and off the playing field.

Studies have shown that children and youth participating in sport, when compared to peers who do not play sport, exhibit:

• higher grades, expectations, and attainment;
• greater personal confidence and self-esteem;
• greater connections with organizations (i.e. school) and support networks;
• stronger peer relationships;
• more academically oriented friends;
• greater family attachment and more frequent interactions with parents;
• more restraint in avoiding risky behavior; and
• greater involvement in volunteer work.

My days as a youth sports dad are dwindling.   Having been involved intensely with youth sports now for nearly 15 years my appreciation has only grown for the volunteers and staff as well as my support for just how important youth sport is for physical, social, and psychological development.