Youth Sports: It’s not a game anymore
In the year 2011, young athletes are placed upon a heavy amount of pressure and stress. Young athletes have to participate in sports many times against their will. The parents are so involved that the fun and excitement is taken away. When I was younger, my dads use to push me so hard that I hated to go to practice. Many kids that participate in sports aren’t able to play just for the fun of it. The pressure that young athletes are under is mind-blowing because kids shouldn’t have to worry about every mistake they make in sports.
Young athletes aren’t able to just play sports because a lot of parents and coaches live their dreams through the athletes. My next door neighbor is a twelve year old kid who father makes him run around the house 10 times a day with a football. The father never reached his goal of playing in the NFL; so he forces his son to play football every day for extensive periods of time. Various times, the youth coaches are placing kids in situations that are unjust and unfair. Many youth league coaches will only reward the kids that performed well. The kids that didn’t perform well are not rewarded, and that could directly affect the child. The youth league coach should show the kids how sports can help them in various situations in life. One of the biggest reasons why young athletes quit playing sports is because of the stress that coaches placed onto them. Children that are placed under a lot of stress may turn to steroids in order to handle the stress. When I was playing basketball in middle school, one of my teammates began taking steroids in order to receive praise from the coach.
One of the main consequences of parents and coaches stress on a young athlete is self esteem issues. The child may feel that they will not be successful in life because they failed at sports. If you are not accelerated in the field of sports, you can still be a success in life. So many young athletes’ parents and coaches do not support their children when they are not performing well. The parents and coaches are supposed to let the child know that your performance in a game doesn’t determine your value in life.
In conclusion, I think that there are no benefits from creating tension within a child. When you allow children to play for the sake of fun and enjoyment, you are helping to construct confidence and life skills. I see so many times how much stress young athletes are under because so many young kids live around my residence. Writing this opinion paper had me think back to all the pressure I was under when I played basketball. I started not to enjoy the game at all because of all the stress that was placed on my shoulders. When you place pressure on young athletes’, you tend to take all of the positive objectives that youth league sports occupy. Young athletes are supposed to learn about teamwork, and working as a unit to accomplish a goal. Parents and coaches that placed stress on young athletes’ should take a look in the mirror and realize that they are harming the child. Youth sports are constructed to ensure that young athletes’ enjoys themselves and evolve as a person. Young athletes’ should participate in sports to learn skills that will ensure them of a productive and prosperous life.
The US Women steal our Hearts
The quarter-final in the FIFA Women’s World Cup between USA and Brazil was absolutely outstanding. The game had fans’ hearts jumping out of their chests. The game overall was a battle but in the end, the team with more heart advanced to the semis.
The US women took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd minute as Shannon Boxx’s cross was deflected in by the Brazilian defense. It was an absolute dream start for the US as they accomplished what they desired.
There was a moment where our hearts almost stopped as Carly Lloyd who was already carrying a yellow cautionary card, almost was punished with the ejecting red as she deliberately handled the ball. The ref let it go but later in the second half the US went down a woman.
IN the 65th minute Rachel Buehler battled with Marta shoulder to shoulder and they both went down. Questionably the ref pulled out a red card ejecting her from the game. Christiane’ pk was saved by Hope Solo but the kick was to be retaken. Confused by the call, Marta stepped up and scored to make it 1-1.
The first half of extra time saw Marta score an absolutely brilliant goal but Maurine who crossed the ball to her was clearly offsides. While most believed and some though it was over, the 122’ minute created a miracle.
Megam Rapinoe crossed the ball to a wide open Abby Wambach who brilliantly headed home the timely equalizer. Of course they then went on to win on penalty kicks with Hope Solo yet again saving a pk.
The same player Daiane who scored the own goal also couldn’t convert from the spot. Arguably she is the reason why Brazil did not win but in the end it is a team sport. The USA truly showed their beautiful colors as they played as a team even with just 10 women for a good portion of the game.
They will now play Wednesday against France in the semi-finals in a game where no one will or should be underestimated. The French ripped Canada 4-0 who has one of the world’s best female players in Christine Sinclair. France also equalized just 2 minutes from time at the 88th minute then went onto to also win on pk’s.
Both sides play until the final whistle and their passion and belief will make it hard for them to lose. For those of you who think women’s soccer isn’t worth your time, I urge you to think again and again until you decide to watch the game. They play with more heart, passion, intelligence, and belief than most male athletes. Enjoy the game fans.
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