Navigating youth sports has become a full-time job for parents, driven by a mix of living vicariously through our children and chasing the dream of them reaching the “big stage.” But are we doing this for the right reasons? With the sports industry valued at $480 billion, it’s worth asking if our wallets—and our kids—are being exploited.

Growing up in a small town, I was raised with values that emphasized hard work, teamwork, and personal growth—lessons that sports have instilled for generations. Yet today, parents will stop at nothing to push their child to the pinnacle of competition, despite the slim odds of making it professionally. It’s time to refocus on what truly matters: the life skills sports should teach, preparing kids for success in any career, not just athletics.

As a career military member and Mustang Officer, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of leadership and self-discipline. Unfortunately, we’ve lost sight of these values in youth sports. Parents and coaches must hold themselves to higher standards, modeling the behavior we hope to instill in our children.

Youth sports have become an industry-driven machine, stripping away the very essence of what they once stood for. The only way to fix this is by changing the process—returning to a foundation of integrity, teamwork, and character development. It’s time to restore what sports were meant to teach and prepare our children for the real challenges of life. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.

by Cody Seevers
Page Count: 122
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: September 9, 2025
Imprint: Sunbury Press
Genre: Sports

SPORTS & RECREATION / General
EDUCATION / Leadership
SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational