There are numerous great reasons for kids to participate in team sports. Playing sports improves physical fitness, boosts mental wellness and cultivates important life skills that transfer far beyond the field or court.
To get started, choose from a plethora of youth programs in San Diego, including soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, hockey, rugby and water polo. Even sports that are historically viewed as “boys activities” now have teams for girls, in addition to some co-ed teams.
Whether your child is brand new to the world of sports or interested in changing things up, selecting the right program from the start will go a long way towards memorable, enjoyable experiences.
What Are the Benefits of Youth Team Sports?
Regardless of which sport is played, a range of physical, social and emotional benefits are in store. Notably, playing youth sports improves physical conditioning, motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It also helps build lifelong healthy habits, like exercising regularly and spending time outdoors (if an outdoor sport is played).
Dayen Joyce, 22, grew up playing youth rugby in San Diego and now plays for UCLA. (Go Bruins!) Joyce explains that players often form strong bonds with teammates: “Most of my close friends are from the youth sports I played.”
Participating in team sports can also enhance communication and time management skills, along with one’s perseverance and resilience. Kids learn to work individually and with others towards common goals.
Long-time local varsity girls basketball coach Vickie Carrington says, “Some of the main benefits of participating in youth sports are the opportunities a child has to foster personal growth, build self-confidence and develop discipline in their work ethic—all of which are essential ingredients to who they become as adults.” Carrington’s three kids played NCAA Division 1 sports on full athletic and academic scholarships; two are now professional athletes.
The best coaches take a holistic approach toward their players, encouraging all aspects of development. “We want to guide players toward the maximum development of their talents and abilities, while encouraging positive attitudes and behavior,” says Derek Ferrell, league president and coach for She Rocks Girls Flag Football in East County.
Should My Child Play Club or Recreational?
For many families just entering the world of youth sports, a key decision involves choosing between club and recreational programs. Club sports, also known as “competitive” or “travel” teams, typically involve a greater time commitment, more advanced level of play and higher cost than recreational sports. Players are expected to already know the basics. They go through tryouts, are coached by professionals, are often expected to travel to games or tournaments, and may play the sport year-round.
Recreational leagues help build skills, improve fitness and should emphasize having fun. Teams are generally balanced and everybody (should) get to play. Games are played locally and seasonally, involving less time and financial commitment. Many teams are coached by parent volunteers.
“If your child is exploring new sports, recreational would be the first step,” says Ferrell. “Once they fall in love with a sport and become more committed, joining a club would be beneficial as they continue to grow and go to the next level.”
If kids appear ready for a higher level of competition, make sure they’re on board before making changes. Programs that are too intense or demanding of time, especially in the beginning, may turn kids off entirely. Plus, it’s important to balance sports commitments with schoolwork, family time, other extracurriculars and downtime.
Local Team Sports
While there are many youth sports in San Diego County to consider, let’s discuss three fun options: basketball, flag football and rugby. In addition to the organizations listed after each sport, check your local YMCA, community centers—even high schools—for camps and programs for elementary and middle school kids.
BASKETBALL
Who doesn’t love the dribbling, passing and shooting of a high-action game of hoops? Basketball is more popular than ever—in part due to this year’s number one WNBA draft pick Caitlin Clark. While Clark’s success has led to a surge of new interest and fans in basketball, especially for girls, San Diego is no stranger to producing professional WNBA players, including Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces) and DiJonai Carrington (Connecticut Sun). Of course, one doesn’t need to be eyeing a professional basketball career to play the game.
“Basketball brings, or rather commands, a high level of discipline and focus to individuals,” says Coach Carrington. “It requires a significant amount of dedication, determination and desire to learn the game. Parents should consider basketball because it fosters growth in many areas—it requires teamwork, camaraderie, conditioning, skill development, trust, attention to detail, balance (in life) and execution.”
A couple of programs to explore:
San Diego Sol
Scripps Ranch, San Marcos
www.sandiegosol.com
Master Sports
Carmel Valley, Carlsbad
www.mastersports.com
FLAG FOOTBALL
You likely have some understanding of football, along with an opinion on whether or not your kid should play. That aside, flag football is another sport—one that has a surprising number of opportunities to play locally. Instead of tackling each other with brute force, players aim to remove flags from opponents’ waists using speed and agility. Since flag football is a noncontact sport, everyone can play regardless of experience, ability or body type.
Coach Ferrell says that flag football promotes teamwork, leadership and physical fitness. It also provides development and training for a variety of other sports. Perhaps most notable, flag football offers an opportunity for girls to participate in a sport traditionally dominated by boys. Ferrell’s son and daughter have both played flag football for years. Daughter Zariah (12) plays for She Rocks, a league that includes over 200 girls (ages 7–17) from San Diego and Mexico. “My favorite thing about playing flag football is making amazing plays and scoring touchdowns,” says Zariah. She also enjoys leading her teammates to work hard and achieve their goals.
Flag football programs are offered through schools, community centers and organizations throughout San Diego County.
She Rocks
Spring Valley
www.sherocksd.com
NFL Flag Football San Diego
San Diego, East County, Poway, Chula Vista, La Jolla
www.nflflagsd.com
RUGBY
Did you know Team USA recently took home its first-ever Olympic medal (bronze) in Women’s Rugby Sevens? If you’re looking for a dynamic game and welcoming community, rugby may be the ticket—for both boys and girls.
Dayen Joyce describes rugby as a great sport for everyone, explaining that while it is often viewed as a rough sport, there are specific rules to mitigate injuries. For example, players can only tackle below the armpit line, which helps prevent head-to-head collisions. Coaches play important roles in injury prevention.
“Families should consider rugby it has a very strong community and culture,” says Joyce. “The respect each individual has for one another is very interesting. For example, after playing [a game], you will usually go to lunch with those same opponents you just faced.”
For families unfamiliar with rugby, Joyce suggests checking out local programs and talking with the coaches involved.
San Diego Mustangs
North County
www.sandiegoyouthrugby.org
OMBAC Wallabies
Linda Vista
www.ombacwallabies.com
Parents: Take Note
A key aspect to a child’s enjoyment of youth sports is your own approach, as a parent and spectator. There’s an important adage in youth sports to remember: Players play, coaches coach, parents cheer. After a game, one of the best things to tell your child is, “I loved watching you play.”
“Ask questions and stay involved as much as you can,” suggests Carrington. “Just remember your place ‘on the court’ is Mom and Dad. Be your child’s biggest fan, always believe the best, find a way to edify and recognize growth in any sport they play, and anything they do academically.”
While some very dedicated athletes eventually earn college scholarships or play professionally, it’s best to keep the focus on fun and fitness during introductory years—and maintain a variety of interests as kids grow and develop.
Lisa Pawlak is the proud mom of a UCLA Bruin and an award-winning contributing writer who lives in Encinitas with her family.
