When I tell people my child plays hockey, I am often met with sincere, well-meaning sympathy. They mention the late nights, long drives, cold rinks, and financial commitment. They're not wrong. Youth sports today can feel very different from the city-sponsored recreation leagues many of us grew up with.
It's easy to get swept up in social media feeds filled with highlights from national tournaments, elite training camps, junior leagues, and stories of young athletes chasing the next level. Every parent wants to provide opportunities for their child to succeed, but one of the most important lessons we've learned is that youth sports are not primarily about creating elite athletes. They are about helping young people develop into capable, confident, resilient adults.
