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Why Multi-Sport Programs Are a Game-Changer for Youth Development


At KidsPlay Sports, we see every day how children flourish when they are encouraged to explore, move, and discover through a variety of sports. Sports are changing, and more families are gravitating toward programs that focus on balanced development instead of early specialization. Research strongly supports this shift, and so does our experience on the field, in the gym, and in the community.

Below in this blog are the major benefits of a multi-sport approach, backed by current research and brought to life through our daily experiences with athletes at KidsPlay Sports. Be sure to keep up with the continued blogs to give you more insight. 


Building Strong, Confident Movers

One of the most exciting parts of our coaches experience with KidsPlay, is watching children gain confidence in a wide range of physical skills. With a new sport each week, they may work on movement fundamentals one week, practice throwing and catching the next, and build coordination or balance in a completely different activity.

This variety is exactly what researchers found in a Slovenian kindergarten study. The program, which included 14 multi-sport sessions with activities like judo, tennis, volleyball, and athletics, led to significant improvements in children’s locomotor skills and ball-handling abilities. This study also highlighted that early childhood is a crucial time for establishing strong motor foundations and that collaboration between teachers and sport instructors is especially effective.

At KidsPlay, we embrace this same philosophy. By giving children opportunities to try different sports, we help them build a toolbox of movement skills that sets them up for success no matter where their athletic journey leads.


Keeping Kids Motivated and Happy

KidsPlay Sports was built around the belief that kids should love being active, and nothing kills motivation faster than monotony. Multi-sport programs prevent burnout by keeping activities fresh and fun. Children look forward to each session because they never quite know what sport or skill they’ll get to explore next.

The Spanish study backs this up. Children, parents, teachers, and coaches reported higher satisfaction and more positive attitudes toward physical activity in a multi-sport model compared to more specialized youth programs.

We see the same reflections from families in our KidsPlay community. Variety keeps kids excited, increases engagement, and helps them develop a lifelong love for movement.


What Makes KidsPlay Sports Unique 

While every multi-sport program has its strengths, KidsPlay Sports focuses on several core principles that align with the research:

  • Supporting children through positive coaching and development-focused sessions

  • Collaborating with families, teachers, and local organizations

  • Providing consistent feedback and encouragement to help each child grow

These elements come together to create a program that is safe, motivating, and developmentally sound.


Make sure to stay on the lookout for our part 2 of “Why Multi-Sport Programs Are a Game-Changer for Youth Development” in next month's blog post! Thanks for reading!

Here are links to read (or access) the full articles:

Lobo de Diego, F. E., Pérez-Brunicardi, D., & Manrique-Arribas, J. C. (2023). Impact of a Mixed, Multi-Sport and Comprehensive Municipal After-School Sports Programme. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte. Read the full article 


 
 
 

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