Over the last decade, more and more schools have seen declining numbers of athletes participating in programs. Whether it’s a tighter training schedule or the idea that select and travel sports are the only ways to get to the “next level,” a trend is growing that points to athletes leaning away from school sports. While training with a select program and private instructors is a sure way to benefit athletes and help them achieve their bigger dreams, does that mean school sports should be left behind?
In most instances – no.
How Have School Sports Changed?
School sports were once the catalyst to the next level athletes hoped to achieve – Friday night games spent impressing scouts and waiting to hear from coaches after elite performances. However, with the growth of college training and schedules – as well as the creation and popularity of select sports – school competitions have become less feasible for these scouts and coaches to attend. This leaves many parents and athletes wondering: what are the benefits of participating in school sports?
Long before the desire to compete at the higher level, school sports provided athletes, parents and students with something to feel proud about, something to get excited about. Rivalries with schools a town over evolved school spirit from simply the game being played – to a greater sense of togetherness. It didn’t matter if you were the best per se; it just mattered that you were better than the rival school.
Spirit chains, spirit weeks, penny wars – all these activities that bring student classes together were driven in popularity by being able to say, “we beat this rival school.” Without athletes willing to participate in school programs, without athletes willing to proudly wear their school name across their uniform, the community and the students lose this easy connection to rally around. Playing for your school means more than just having the best record or reaching the next level of sports; it means giving students, adults, staff and the community something to come together on.
The Benefits of School Sports
For many athletes, school sports provide a place for them to not only play a sport they enjoy, but to connect with other peers – new and old. It doesn’t matter if you play for competing travel teams; when you step on the field together representing your school, you are unified. For athletes that train with travel programs their entire lives, they may not get the chance school offers to play with a wide variety of different individuals. This gives them a chance to learn not only how to accept and grow with new athletes, but also how to be a better teammate and player overall.
Additionally, whether it’s been a parent that has guided them all these years or an ex-college athlete, school sports give athletes a chance to be instructed by a different coach – someone who teaches differently and has varying experiences. Even with a coach that is new, something can be learned, whether it’s how to be humble and trust your prior knowledge of the game, or how to rally with teammates to create the best experience you possibly can.
School sports also provide the opportunity for many athletes to hone their craft in different positions or capacities. Someone who is used to starting at one position for their travel team may be asked to play additional spots during school competitions. This enables the athlete to become a more varied, experienced and indispensable player when stepping on the field for their select organization.
Even with its ups and downs, the true purpose of school sports hasn’t completely waned: bringing together a host of individuals who may not have any other reason to cross paths, all to root on athletes who want to compete for that school name, for that pride. Whether they’re beginners just starting the process or high-level athletes looking to represent their schools, this type of competition allows athletes to grow and even reconnect with their love of the game.
If your athlete has recently started playing a sport for school and wants to learn more about our private lessons in Dayton, contact Elevate Sports Training by calling (937) 672-8438 to find out how we can help develop your athlete!