It’s no secret that paid attendance across sports is down, and theories abound with reasons why. From money being tight to millennials wanting more than just a game day experience. We have another theory, one that has not been written about yet and spells more long-term doom for active attendance. Kids today are not viewing sports in the same way, because they are growing up to love not sports in general, but just one sport.
Children in today’s day and age are unfortunately engaging in only one activity. Focusing all their time and energy on one sport, while their parents chase scholarships. But is spending time playing one sport and fully focusing on just that one game making those kids grow up to be fans of just one sport instead of being open to all?
Growing up, I played a few different sports. I played basketball, soccer, gymnastics, dance, and even did competitive horseback riding. Though I ended up in just one sport as I got older, I played numerous sports for years and became well-versed in the rules and culture of multiple sports. With this knowledge, I would happily attend any of these live sports today and be comfortable enjoying all that is in front of me. I could still watch the Olympics and enjoy it and understand it. That’s what this generation of kids in sports is missing.
Today, it's all too common for children to pick a sport they love at an early age and to just do that one thing. They eat, sleep, and breathe for that sport. So they don’t fully develop a passion for the plethora of other activities available for your entertainment and enjoyment. They know one sport, and chances are - they are so burned out on that game that even looking at that activity in person may be distasteful.
Sure, kids who grow up on hoops might have a deep love of basketball as an adults, but if the bulk of one generation is all only supporting one sport, it affects the sports business as a whole in the long run. How many Americans love cricket enough to buy season tickets to their hometown cricket club? You didn’t play it - you don’t get it - you’re not going!
Furthermore - having children play one sport from a young age is dangerous for both their physical health and the future in the sports world.
Studies have shown that children who participate in only one sport starting at a young age have more problems with muscles. It’s not good for their physical health.
According to Dr. Silvis from Penn State, “If a child participates in one sport, they’re only working certain muscle groups. You are constantly placing your body through the same movement patterns and demands. It puts you at risk of an overuse injury.”
Injuries contribute heavily to the aforementioned burnout factor - inevitable with all kids. If it happens too early, kids may end up quitting sports altogether.
A study conducted by Ohio State University found that children who only played a single sport were found more likely to quit their sport and become physically inactive as an adults.
Once kids get burned out or quit those events, they’re not interested in sports. Not even attending a game of the one sport they were invested in and dedicated to. Could that be what's hurting the sports market?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!