Former NFL Athletes Say Having Fun is Key to Success

We can propose that quality coaching, 10,000 hours of repetitions and fast twitch fibers will get your kid to the professional level.

Those are contributing factors, but they are not the most important factor contributing to his or her long-term athletic success.

Rather, the key is simply love of the game and enjoying every moment regardless of the circumstances.

Love of the game and fun must be factored in to every training and competitive experience. 

That passion becomes the driving force, the gasoline behind ever task, challenge, victory and defeat ahead.

In 2008, we talked with 12 NFL stars working for youth football camps across the United States. Each had played more than 3 years in the NFL and some as many as 9 or 10 years.

Across the board and without bias, they said the most important factor in their success was they LOVED playing the game.

Their recommendation as the most important contribution a parent can provide a child?  “Making it fun.”

As kids, these NFL players and youth camp heroes jumped at the chance to practice, play and organize pick-up games in the backyard.

“It was the most fun thing to do…ever,” said former Chicago Bear Youth Camp Hero Kris Haines.

“I loved playing the game as a kid,” said former Green Bay Packer Youth Camp Hero Johnnie Gray.

NFL players New York Giants Youth Football Camps and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps say the same thing.

Their parents did not track them for professional success. 

Instead, they were “in the moment” and made sure that each day’s experience was as rewarding and educational as possible

Never underestimate the “fun” factor in your child’s athletic experience. 

It is absolutely necessary in order to fuel the engine for success.

Youth Sports Camp: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

It's official: the holidays are upon us.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed by, but some of us are still scrambling to find gifts for our loved ones.

Though the winter weather makes it hard to think about summer activities, consider giving the gift of youth sports summer camp to your child this holiday season.  Planning ahead will guarantee the child a spot at the desired camp, as spots are sure to sell out quickly closer to spring.  Plus, it ensures that kids will have something to do when school is out for summer, rather than just sit inside watching TV and playing video games.

Youth sports camps can get pricey, but buying months in advance often allows the opportunity to save money.  Also, knowing the incredible benefits of physical activity for children makes sports camp hard to resist.  Positive effects of youth sports are countless, including:

·         Developing an understanding of teamwork

·         Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity

·         Building friendships and other social skills

·         Forming a strong sense of confidence and leadership

·         Understanding the importance of putting forth best effort

As a gift, sports camp as a gift is an out-of-the-box idea that gives a child something to look forward to; it's almost like a second gift when summer rolls around and the child remembers he or she gets to go to camp soon!