Sports have always been a big part of my life. When I was growing up, I played just about every sport I could. I loved staying active and competing. My two main sports were soccer and basketball, but I also played softball, volleyball and tennis. I even did swim team for a couple of years even though I hated it.
My Dad was always my biggest fan. Every time I wanted to try a new sport, he would say, “OK! Let’s sign you up.” He was alway so supportive, even when I decided a certain sport wasn’t for me. He never pressured me to play and I think that is part of the reason why I loved sports so much.
Now that I have little athletes of my own, it’s been fun to watch them get involved and share a similar love for sports. My 14-year-old son has been playing sports since he was 4. He played soccer for several years and then moved on to football, baseball and basketball. As he has gotten older, he has realized that he is most passionate about basketball and baseball, so those are the only sports he plays now. I remember when he decided to quit football. His dad and I were definitely disappointed but we accepted it. It would have been so easy to make him play — to tell him to stick with it– but we respected his decision.
My six-year-old twin girls have been playing soccer for a couple of years now. One of them absolutely loves it. The other one is more excited about the snacks after the game than the game itself. She would rather do swimming, but up until just recently, she hasn’t been old enough to join swim team. As a parent, I made the decision to keep her in soccer with her twin so that she would stay active. For the most part she has enjoyed soccer, but I know it’s time for her to branch out and do what she loves. So swim team it is!
As parents, the most important thing we can do is support our athletes. We can first do that by letting them choose what sports they want to play — they should do what they love! Beyond that we should be making sure they have everything needed to play their best – whether that’s gear and equipment, pregame meals, driving the carpool, or making sure the team is hydrated. It is our job to give them the love, encouragement and resources they need to be the best athletes they can be!
We’re All Just a Kid From Somewhere
There is potential in all of us. No matter what you achieve in life, you start in the same place as everyone else: as a kid full of potential and big dreams. At the end of the day, we are all “just a kid” from somewhere.
POWERADE believes that with the right motivation these everyday athletes can realize their potential and one day be the athletes that they look up to. Sports have a major impact on our communities. Whether it is t-ball or the pros, every athlete in every league has a story waiting to be told.
Represent your somewhere with custom “Just a Kid” apparel that features where you’re from here. All net proceeds from the sale of “Just a Kid” apparel goes to the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Free “Just a Kid” Reusable Sports Bottle
Keep your young athlete hydrated with POWERADE. It comes in a variety of great tasting flavors and is available for everyday low prices and in multipack assortment of sizes at Walmart and Walmart.com.
When you purchase two 8-packs of 20 oz POWERADE at Walmart, you’ll be able to go online and submit your receipt to order a FREE custom “Just a Kid” reusable sports bottle. Head on over here to learn more and to order yours! The offer is good until April 4, 2016 or while supplies last.
How do you support your young athlete?
This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/POWERADE.
Rachel
Friday 5th of August 2016
I was pushed into sports rather than encouraged, thus I'm determined to let my children choose what they'd like to try. I never want to force them to play something they don't want to. Thanks for sharing.