Chris Conover is a registered investment advisor and president and chief investment officer of the Hudson Companies, previously Hudson Valley Wealth Management. An MBA graduate of Fordham University with experience at International Assets Advisory Corp., Guardian Life Insurance, and Van Eck Global, he serves individual portfolios, corporate retirement plans, and family trusts with more than $100 million in assets under management. He coordinates due diligence across startups and property markets and focuses on risk-averse positioning for clients. Outside finance, Chris Conover engages with youth athletics as a coach and parent, which informs a practical perspective on selecting activities for young athletes. In this guide, Chris Conover introduces a straightforward approach to the topic A Basic Guide to Selecting Sports for Youth Athletes, emphasizing interest, readiness, and program fit so families can make informed choices for long-term enjoyment and development.
A Basic Guide to Selecting Sports for Youth Athletes
According to Project Play, more than 27 million Americans between the ages of six and 17 participated in an organized sports program or took sports lessons in 2023. This translates to approximately 55 percent of the nation’s youth population. Youth sports provide children and teenagers with many benefits, from improved physical health to a myriad of important life lessons about teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. Families considering youth sports for their children have many options.
When considering potential sports for a child, adolescent, or teenager, families should begin by assessing the youth’s interests and abilities. If a child is passionate about a specific sport, families should strongly consider signing them up for lessons, unless they have serious concerns about injuries or other issues pertaining to the sport.
While winning is not the most important aspect of youth sports, families should avoid forcing a child into a sport for which they lack the necessary physical abilities. A child with below-average height who has no interest in volleyball, for example, is more likely to avoid athletics altogether than to suddenly develop a passion for the sport.
Regardless of a child’s physical aptitude, families should also consider their physical and emotional readiness. For instance, a child may be taller and stronger than most kids in their age group, but still lack the coordination and balance needed for many youth sports. Emotional readiness is equally, if not more, important than physical readiness. Youth athletes must have the emotional maturity to win and lose graciously, maintain their focus during games that can last several hours, and stay invested in the sport over several weeks or months of practice and competition.
Families must consider their child’s commitment level when selecting a specific program. If a child enrolls in a team sport that lasts for several months, they must prepare to make a long-term commitment not just to themselves but also to their teammates. Other programs, such as intramural leagues, are less serious and do not expect athletes to show up to every game.
It’s important to note that even athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill in one sport should have the opportunity to try other sports. Playing multiple sports allows youth athletes to develop a wider array of physical skills and to avoid burnout. Studies have shown that youth athletes who specialize in a single sport have a greater risk of serious injury and dropping out of the sport before the age of 13.
Similarly, when choosing a sport, families should prioritize the athlete’s enjoyment and long-term development. As mentioned, youth sports provide valuable life skills, but children are less likely to develop these skills or improve athletically over time if they do not enjoy the sport.
With this in mind, families should look for local coaches and sports programs that match their child’s personality. A youth athlete may express interest in playing football, but an overbearing head coach or a school program that places a heavy emphasis on winning at all costs may prove a poor match for certain athletes. Introverted children may prefer individual sports, such as tennis or swimming, while more social children may enjoy large team sports, like track and field.
About Chris Conover
Chris Conover is the founder, president, and chief investment officer of the Hudson Companies, previously Hudson Valley Wealth Management. He brings Wall Street experience in marketing, sales, and business development, including roles at International Assets Advisory Corp., Guardian Life Insurance, and Van Eck Global. A Fordham University MBA, he advises individual investors, corporate retirement plans, and family trusts with more than $100 million in assets under management. He is active in due diligence for client investments and participates in youth athletics as a coach and parent.