Play Hard, Have Fun

Youth sports is dominated by competitive club and travel programs. In order to justify the expense and retain players, coaches and directors feel they must win.

The downside of the club model:
Burnout - 70% of athletes quit before age 13
Equity and Access - High costs and travel commitments are prohibitive to many families
Early Specialization - Club and travel programs are more likely to expect that players “commit” which usually means specializing in one sport, and often one position
Increased Overuse Injuries - Year-round programs with no off season are unhealthy for growing bodies and lead to physical injuries and contribute to mental burnout

Kids want to play with their friends, be challenged, learn new skills, and have fun!
Intentional program design that teaches age and developmentally appropriate skills and encourages connection, engagement, and fun will retain players and make it MORE likely that they will KEEP PLAYING!

Many players AND parents are unhappy with their current options. They cite overly intense coaches, parents berating players and refs from the sidelines, “daddy ball,” drama and politics within the program or board, missing important family events and holidays for tournaments, feeling pressured to quit other sports…

Parents know this is not working. They WANT an alternative.

Play Hard, Have Fun wants to be that alternative. By creating and supporting programs that have trained, expert coaches leading affordable, accessile, local recreational leagues that prioritize skill development along with all the life lessons parents hope their children get out of their participation in youth sports like teamwork, sportsmanship, competition, hard work, resilience, responding to failure, celebrating others’ successes, and many more.

Affordable, accessible local programs mean more kids and families can get involved. Everyone wins.