For children and young people, sport is an exceptional educational and socializing activity that can greatly enhance their growth and prepare them for roles and responsibilities in adulthood. Research shows that sports can be very beneficial and promote responsible social behavior, better academic performance, the adoption of moral values, and healthy living habits. Sport is an opportunity for children and young people to learn. It's a room where you practice for life.

Participation in sports, and especially team sports, teaches young people teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, responsibility, and tolerance and develops their "coping skills", i.e. the ability to overcome various problems, teaches them perseverance, and respect for authority, develops work habits, strengthens their character, their self-esteem and their self-confidence.

According to a survey of teachers and school staff, young athletes have better grades and behave better in the classroom because of the link between discipline and work ethic. The research data clearly confirms that children who are active in sports have better school success, better-developed social skills, more team orientation, and better physical conditions.

There are a variety of different influences that can spark children's interest in sport and their desire to try them: media, peers, sports stars, parents, teachers, etc. However, research shows that family influence is crucial .

Children have their own reasons for playing sports. Usually, there are several motives, not just one. However, parents should know that their motives do not always coincide with those of the children. That's why parents should never lose sight of why children play sports. Research on children's motives for exercise across America shows that "fun" is the number one reason, followed by the need to "learn new skills", "hang out with friends", experience the "excitement of competition", etc. "Win" was also cited as a motive, but wasn't her #1 reason, as the parents wrongly believe.

The data that 75% of American children who started early in sports quit at age 15, 70% quit at age 14, and 50% do so earlier - at age 12 years are worrying.

Research has shown that the reasons for leaving the sport are numerous and mostly related to bad experiences with coaches, great pressure to win, lack of fun and enjoyment, unrealistic ambitions of parents, the emergence of other interests, lack of time for other activities, etc.

This is probably the most common question parents ask when trying to get their child involved in sports in a timely manner. The answer is neither simple nor uniform. Opinions are quite controversial, both on whether children's early involvement in sport is harmful rather than beneficial, and on determining the best age to start the training and competition process.

When considering the question of when children are ready to participate in the process of training and competition, without fear of injury and negative effects on their further physical and psychosocial development, on the one hand, the requirements and characteristics of the sports programs must be taken into account, at involved and the level of their physiological and psychological development achieved on the other hand.

Although the choice of which sport is "tailored" to the child is not entirely under parental control, you can do a lot to contribute to his or her "search" for the sport that best suits your child's needs, interests, personality traits, motor skills, and body type corresponds to the best and does not lead to negative experiences and loss of interest and initial enthusiasm, but presents a pleasant challenge that leads to a successful outcome.

Some parents turn to sports experts to solve the problem of choosing the most appropriate sport. We feel that this is not necessary for children aged 5-10.

Positive and supportive parents, as well as those who respect sport as an educational medium, know very well that young athletes they and their coaches are the fundamental sources for learning and modeling their behavior both on the field and in other life contexts. Psychologists have proven that children and young people learn most easily by observing the behavior of models. The role of a model for children athletes is played by their parents and coaches, then sports idols or stars, but also peers (teammates, friends from school, local area, etc.).

Good communication between parents and coaches, and between the coach-athlete and parent-athlete relationship is key to creating a positive, supportive, and motivating climate for learning and progression in sports. Although the relationship between coaches and parents is inevitable, they are often fraught with mutual prejudice and misunderstanding, mutual accusations, negative emotions, and rigid attitudes.