Andrew Laurendi On Youth Sports and Mental Wellness

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A director of independent short films, Andrew Laurendi enrolled at the Los Angeles Film School in 2023. Beyond his personal and professional interests in film, Andrew Laurendi enjoys leading a physically active lifestyle. A former volunteer at HorseAbility, where he helped children living with disabilities ride horses, he is an advocate for the mental health benefits of athletics.

Youth sports provide children and teens with an array of both physical and mental benefits. Numerous studies have demonstrated how youth sports programs reduce stress and support mood regulation in children. Furthermore, youth athletes enjoy increased confidence and self-esteem while developing important social skills. These advantages are particularly valuable when considering the extensive time American youths spend on screens – up to nine hours per day for certain age groups. Research suggests this much screen time can increase the risk of depression in children.

From a physical health standpoint, obesity represents one of the most significant issues affecting youth. Data indicates that close to 20 percent of American children qualify as obese, and an additional 16 percent are overweight. Weight issues can dramatically increase a child’s risk of other health conditions, in addition to affecting their mental wellness and social development.

Unfortunately, youth sports can be something of a minefield when it comes to psychological health. The pressure to win and early specialization in one sport are common causes of anxiety and stress for young athletes. For families, the trick comes in balancing the inherent stress of competition with the other factors. For example, adults should help youths focus less on winning and more on individual accomplishment and fun. In addition to learning sport-specific skills and strategies, families can help youths develop relaxation techniques. Ultimately, sports should serve as a tool to teach children to win with grace and lose with honor.

Several practical considerations are also important. Parents often wonder at what age they should introduce a child to organized athletics. Experts generally agree that they should hold off on youth sports until age six, but every child is unique, and mental and physical readiness are considerations. Coordination and related developmental milestones are particularly important, more so than size and strength.

Selecting a sport is extremely important when it comes to facilitating the start of an enjoyable, mentally beneficial youth sports journey. Besides age, personality and a child’s natural interests should influence the decision, but the most important question is simply, “What sport will be a fun, low-pressure activity for our child?” As mentioned, early specialization is a common problem that increases the risk of physical injury and mental burnout, so it is advisable to introduce a child to multiple sports. Above all, adults need to engage children in the decision-making process, as a child who chooses their sport is more likely to enjoy themselves and stay motivated.

Finally, families who want to use youth sports to cultivate a child’s physical health and mental wellness need to carefully assess the coaches, instructors, and other adults involved in the experience. The attitude of adult mentors hugely influences a child’s enjoyment. Effective coaches prioritize physical and mental safety alongside athletic development.

Sports, especially for young children, should serve as an escape and as an opportunity for structured fun, providing a safe environment for physical and emotional release. Introducing expectations and overemphasizing the importance of winning can turn a fun activity into an obligation that hinders, rather than helps, mental wellness.