The debate over when kids should focus on a single sport has become one of the hottest topics in youth athletics. Some parents believe year-round training in one game is the fastest track to scholarships and elite opportunities. But is it really the best path?
In my opinion, specialization comes too soon for many young athletes. Kids as young as 8 or 9 are pushed into dedicating themselves to just one sport, often at the cost of fun and variety. The risks are clear: burnout, overuse injuries, and kids losing their love for the game before they even reach high school.
Playing multiple sports gives young athletes a broader set of skills, keeps them healthier, and allows them to discover what they truly enjoy. In fact, many of today’s top professionals were multi-sport athletes well into their teens, proving that variety can build stronger, more complete players.
That’s why true specialization should wait until around 15 or 16—an age when athletes can make their own informed choice about where they want to focus. Before that, sports should be about trying new things, staying active, and having fun.
Because at its core, youth sports aren’t just about producing the next star—they’re about creating a lifelong love for the game. If we push kids to choose too early, we risk taking that away.
