The #PlayMoreBeMore campaign emphasizes the benefits of playing multiple sports and highlights the dangers of specializing in one sport at a young age. Playing a variety of sports will help young athletes:
- Excel in their chosen sport.
E.g. a hockey player who also continues to play volleyball and soccer – soccer is excellent for conditioning, change of direction abilities, and controlling a puck in skates, while volleyball is excellent for leg power and reaction skills. Another example is how cycling and skiing can develop lower body strength for a speed skater. - Benefit their overall athleticism.
- Avoid overuse injuries that come with repeatedly doing the same sport over and over for several years.
- Avoid burnout.
- Have fun and walk away with a positive and enjoyable experience in sport and physical activity.
Resources
We’ve collected a multitude of resources below that will help you learn more about the benefits behind the multi-sport message.
Questions about Play More Be More? Get in touch with us at performance@sportmanitoba.ca
Why Speed Skater Alexa Scott Values Playing Multiple Sports
The Multi-Sport Athlete: Why the Majority of Elite Athletes Make it to the Top of Their Sport
How Playing Multiple Sports Growing Up Impacted Hockey Player Brigette Lacquette
Benefits of Multi-Sport Summer Camp
Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) – Info for Parents – Coaching Association of Canada (CAC)
Sports Specialization and Intensive Training in Young Athletes – American Academy of Pediatrics
The Multi-Sport Advantage – Active for Life
