The Great Youth Sports Debate: Should Your Child Play Multiple Sports?
A great debate is currently taking place across the world of youth sports: should parents specialize kids in just one sport? Today, families pour time, money, and energy into singular sports—sometimes with the hope of landing a college scholarship or developing elite skills. However, some research suggests that approach can backfire, with risks that include higher rates of injury, increased psychological stress, and even quitting sports all-together at a young age.
The subject has become so divisive, that even NBA superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic recently weighed in, “You burn out at 22, 23, 24 because you’ve just been doing [the same sport all year round]. Or younger.” This past year, Doncic also started his own foundation, which in part aims to improve retention rates in youth basketball and prevent burnout.
Asphalt Green’s Approach to Youth Sports
At Asphalt Green, we believe that whether kids decide to pursue one or many sports, all youth sports programs should focus on improving physical and mental well-being, developing skills, and—most importantly—having fun.
Wherever you stand in the debate, there’s no denying that encouraging young athletes to try multiple sports can offer tremendous benefits, both on and off the field. Before you look for your NYC youth sports program, read on to learn four reasons why kids can benefit from being multi-sport athletes
4 Reasons Your Kid Should Play More Than One Sport
1. Well-Rounded Athletic Development
Simply put, different sports develop different skill sets. While soccer improves footwork and cardiovascular endurance, swimming enhances coordination and breath control, and basketball builds agility and spatial awareness. Playing more than one sport gives kids a chance to develop different muscle groups, solve different problems, and grow into well-rounded athletes.
2. Lower Risk of Overuse Injuries
Repetitive motion in a single sport—like throwing, swinging, or jumping—can put too much stress on developing joints. A study from the National Institute of Health found that kids who specialize early are more likely to experience overuse injuries.
3. Reduced Risk of Burnout
By specializing kids in one sport at a very early age, parents can risk focusing too much on perfection, and less on joy. Burnout is the primary factor in why the national dropout rate for youth sports is above 70%. In Asphalt Green’s New York City youth sports programs, fostering a love for sports is the primary goal.
4. Better Long-Term Performance
Many elite athletes—across the NBA, NFL, and U.S. Olympic teams—played multiple sports growing up. In fact, one study of the National Football League’s 2022 draft class found that 89% of first round draft in 2022 played multiple sports as kids.
Find A Second Sport with Asphalt Green Sports!
Asphalt Green offers one of the most comprehensive youth sports programs in New York City, with classes, private lessons, recreational leagues, and competitive teams for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. Whether your child is just getting started in sports or looking to build on existing skills, or wants to try something new, there’s something for everyone: from swim lessons and soccer leagues to basketball clinics, flag football, martial arts and more.
Every class, league, and private lesson is designed to inspire a lifelong love of movement, sport, and healthy habits. Our multi-sport program give kids the freedom to explore new interests, stay active year-round, and build confidence that carries beyond the playing field.
Explore our full range of programming below to help your child become a passionate multisport athlete!
