Is Middle School Too Late to Start Sports?
As kids grow, it is not uncommon for their interests to change. Whether they want to try a new activity to be with friends, or simply want to check out a sport that has piqued their interest, it is good to encourage adolescents to try new things. When they reach middle school, kids become more self-aware and may be nervous about trying a sport they have never done. Joining a recreational sports team allows kids to try a new activity in a low-pressure environment while helping them build confidence.
Rec Sports Build New Friendships
Middle school is a time of transition and self-discovery which can make kids self-conscious when trying to make new friends. Recreational middle school sports are a great way for kids to make new friends without the pressure. They will also likely make friends outside of their own school as recreational sports is a mix of different school zones and residential areas.
Teamwork and common goals make it easy for children to bond with their fellow teammates. Because recreational sports leagues are more focused on skill building and having fun, players have the opportunity to socialize and get to know each other in a low-stress environment. Recreational sports leagues don’t always require try outs, so kids would not have to worry about trying out for a new sport and feeling anxious or embarrassed.
Healthy Activities Build Confidence
It is no secret that sports for middle schoolers help keep them active and healthy. During a time when kids are hitting puberty and facing bodily changes they cannot control, their confidence can take a hit! Recreational youth sports are designed to help increase confidence and give young athletes a safe space to play and have fun. As children see their skill, strength, and understanding of a sport increase, it boosts self esteem.
Positive Ways To Burn Energy
Recreational sports also allow adolescents to burn off extra energy after sitting in classes all day. Adjusting to a new schedule with higher demands and a lack of breaks such as recess can be challenging. After-school activities where children can be active provide a healthy balance.
Famous Athletes Who Got A Late Start
Middle school kids are often surprised to learn that many successful athletes did not start their sport until they were older. One example is David Robinson, who won the NBA MVP award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. Robinson did not try basketball until he was in middle school! Dee Strange-Gordon, second baseman for the Seattle Mariners, did not play baseball until his senior year of high school. During his last season with the Mariners, Strange-Gordon became the first player to lead the National League in stolen bases and batting average.
It is never too late to try something new! Encourage your middle schoolers to go after new activities that pique their interest. Most adolescents are self-conscious as they are going through a lot of change at once, but encouraging them to try new things will help them build confidence, gain new skills, and make new friends.
Sign up for Recreational Sports Near You
At i9 Sports®, we offer multiple youth sports programs for middle schoolers and kids ages 3-14. We offer a low-stress environment for kids of all skill levels to join youth sports and stay active. Our programs aim to foster a lifelong love of sports and active lifestyles by focusing on sportsmanship and age-appropriate instruction to ensure that kids have fun. Explore our sports and sign up today!
