Forest Hills Baptist Church

Bringing glory to God by contending for His truth, multiplying servants of Jesus Christ, and caring for one another.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • New Here?
  • Connect
    • Hub Groups
    • Kids
    • Students
    • 1829
    • Wednesday Family Nights
    • Men
    • Women
    • Missions
    • ESL Conversation Class
    • Olivia’s Gift
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Beliefs
    • Service Times
    • Location
  • Resources
    • Live Stream
    • Sermons
    • RightNow Media
    • Documents and Forms
  • Give
  • The Path
  • Contact

Navigating the Culture of Youth Sports

July 22, 2018 Leave a Comment

Youth Sports

Sports have played a significant role in my life through the years. I have learned how to function as part of a team. I have been pushed toward greater success by the constructive criticism of coaches. I have learned how to live a healthy, active lifestyle. I have learned to follow through on commitments even when I would rather quit.

Because I value these types of growth experiences, our kids have regularly participated in youth sports. But there are also a number of pitfalls to avoid:

  1. Don’t specialize too early. There is a growing push to play one sport “year round.” But increasingly this leads to burnout and overuse injuries.
  2. Don’t expect your child to receive a sports scholarship. Many spend heavily on youth sports banking on a scholarship. When it comes to scholarships, you would be better off hiring an academic tutor!
  3. Don’t allow sports to take priority over your faith. You can say that Jesus and his church are most important. But your schedule will tell the real story. Be up front with your child and your coaches regarding your convictions in this regard.
  4. Make sure you count the cost. Sure there is the financial cost of many sports leagues. But there is also time spent away from home, meals on the road, missed family reunions, the disconnect with neighborhood kids, etc.
  5. Don’t forget that you are the parent. Your child might want to play travel sports. They might want to play one sport year round as a 1st grader. But you as a parent have to make the decision regarding what is ultimately best for them.
  6. Don’t be naïve. Youth sports is a business. It is flattering to hear that they want your child to play year round or to join the premiere travel team. But understand that this means more money for them. Don’t let a business control your life and dictate your priorities.

Pastor Jeff

 

Photo credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/594839

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Pastor Jeff's Weekly Tagged With: Culture, Parenting, Priorities, sports, Youth Sports

What to expect when you visit FHBC

FHBC Worship Team
We welcome you to join us for either of our services, and to come as you are!
Learn more about the atmosphere and worship service style at FHBC »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Watch / Listen Online

Podcast and Live Video Stream

The Path

The Path – Forest Hills Baptist Church

An online community where church members can connect with other church members, groups, events, and calendars.

Log on to The Path »

About FHBC

  • New Here?
  • Service Times
  • Our Faith
  • Our Leadership
  • Our Mission

Members

  • The Path
  • Online Giving
  • Photo Directory

COVID Guidelines

As of July 18, 2021, we are lifting all COVID guidelines.

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Forest Hills Baptist Church is a church in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on gospel-centered teaching, worship, spiritual growth in the context of community, and reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Forest Hills Baptist Church · 3900 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Copyright © 2023 · Log in