Recent research – 2026 Aspen Institute Survey – indicates that your player’s satisfaction hinges on several key factors.
Your player prioritizes:
-
Trying their Best
A sense of accomplishment feels good. When your player gives all their effort and has a goal in mind to work for, they are in the state of flow. Your player can have the game of their life yet their team loses and still walk off the field feeling good. This should be the norm.
-
Involvement & Action
More intentional touches = more enjoyment. The bench isn’t teaching young players much. Players should be playing most of the time.*****
-
“Side Quests”
AKA mini competitive games during practice. Races, challenges and engaging activities can excite the mind and encourage more fun.
-
Playing with Friends
The social ties that bind. Ask your player who they want to play with. Ask an adult who they miss playing with. No surprises here.
-
Positive Environment
Encouragement can propel more than put downs. Create the conditions for high character growth and strong habits and values. Structure can allow freedom.
-
To See New Things
Traveling to new places and getting new experiences is invigorating. New feelings can lead to new perspectives.
-
Visible Progress
Growth mindset builds confidence and it’s fun for them to see actual improvement.
-
Autonomy to Decide
Your player want to learn on their own terms, make decisions and be creative. It’s natural for their development to learn by making mistakes.
Reasons players quit playing:
-
The winning trap
Winning mentality is greater than winning scoreboard. It’s not always about the score.
-
Scholarships
Too much hype too soon puts too much pressure on their shoulders. Trust the process.
-
Over-specialization
Keeping up with “the joneses” is over-rated. Players also need time to just be a kid too.
