When was the last time you saw some kids playing ball spontaneously with their friends? Nowadays it is becoming rare to see children playing just like that. The trend today is to train a single sport in a club, adding one more after school activity to the busy schedule. Instead of deliberate play, children spend more time on highly structured sport activities where better performance, not enjoyment, is the goal.

Even though practising sport seems to be a good idea, this early intense focus might cause injuries and stress, and it makes children feel burned out. What is more, these programs are often very expensive and time‑consuming for the parents.

To keep kids active and healthy for a lifetime, the American Academy of Paediatrics (APP) advises parents to take a common‑sense approach to sports training.

First of all, children should be allowed to try different sports. Only after the age of 15 or 16 should they specialise in one discipline. According to recent studies, children who focused on one discipline when they were younger had shorter athletic careers.

Secondly, parents should control whether their children aren’t overtrained. The number of training hours per week shouldn’t be bigger than a child's age. It is advised to take a rest 1‑2 days per week and at least 3 months’ break during the year.

Young athletes’ diet should also be adapted to their lifestyle. Their food should be rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

Dr Brenner, a member of the APP Council of Sports Medicine and Fitness, often meets young athletes in his office. Usually, after a short interview he is able to state that playing 5 to 7 days per week is fine, but only in hopes to get a scholarship and play in college in the future.

Having in mind all the threats related to intensive training at a young age, guidance has been released. It is supposed to be a helpful tool for a paediatrician in their conversation with the parents, teachers, and children. The most important points covered are:

– Physical activity should be a way for children to learn lifelong physical activity skills, without focusing on results;

– Participating in multiple sports is advisable. It decreases the chances of injuries, stress, and burnout during the later sport career;

– Help in determining young athletes’ goals is needed. Parents should also assess if the goals are realistic and appropriate;

– If they already train professionally, children should have 1–2 days off after a 5‑day training week;

– Young athletes must be provided with a nutritious diet, covering the caloric demand of their active lifestyle.

If you follow the above rules, the immersion of a child into a highly competitive world of sport should go smoothly and they will be able to benefit from all aspects of a physical activity.

Autor: Katarzyna Tkacz