Jeffrey Seymour asked:


One of the largest factors that several youth deal with today is in relation to their self-esteem. Several suffer by looking at themselves as not good enough. This may range from seeing their body image in the wrong light to seeing their mental states as not quite right. There are ways to help youth with their self-esteem. By suggesting and supporting things like sports, you will be certain to decrease their chances at unhealthy activities from a low self-esteem.  

It is known that when children enter into school, they will generally have a high self-esteem. More than eighty percent of children in the first grade will start out by thinking highly of themselves and believing that they can do anything. By the time these same children reach the fifth grade, the attitude towards themselves and the self-esteem has dropped to about twenty percent. By the time children graduate from high school, the amount that has a high self esteem is at a low of five percent.  

Along with the low self-esteem come things such as drug use, early sex, and failure with steps towards a career. At the same time, it is also being found that those who play sports are less likely to take part in these activities. Instead, those who play sports are more likely to develop a higher self-esteem and participate in positive activities. Because the children and youth are being challenged to succeed, and encouraged to continue through the use of a team and the sport, they are able to develop a better insight towards their own self-image.  

The idea of self-esteem in sports has become such a major component of the sports, that several areas are now committed to giving more youth activities outside of school specifically to battle low self-esteem and offer alternatives for success. It is being found that no matter what type of physical activity or sport the youth participate in, it is helping to build them into better adults with a more positive outlook on whom they are.  

If you notice any type of anxiety, depression, or negative reaction from your child, their self-esteem may need some help. If you want to make sure that they graduate from high school feeling good about their accomplishments, then you can enroll them in a physical activity to help out. By doing this, you will be able to give them another option away from the negative outlook that they may have.



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Gregg Hall asked:


I played football from the age of eight years old until age twenty and then continued in bodybuilding to this day at the age of 45. Even though I look younger than my age and younger guys approach me all the time to play rugby or sandlot football my knees and hips just can’t take the abuse anymore. If you are like me and you still want to stay involved in sports a good way to do it is though sports collectibles and memorabilia.

I never thought I would get into it but there is so much available that there is literally something for everyone no matter what sport you are interested in. Sports memorabilia collecting can help fill your time with an enjoyable hobby and give you a diversion from the hassles of life.

Sports collecting can run from collecting football jerseys or collecting photographs for scrapbooks to collecting every possible item you can find about the particular sport, team, or player you are interested in. It is fun to put together display cases with jerseys, helmets, and game balls along with pictures from particular events. There are some accessories that you can buy to help you with displaying your sports collectibles as well.

Another easy to start collectible hobby is by collecting pins. Almost all sports offer collectible pins of their teams and they are actually one of the most popular segments of the sports collectible market today. Other popular pins are those that commemorate specific events like the Olympics. Collecting antique sports equipment, such as vintage baseball gloves and bats is also a hot item.

Collecting sports cards like baseball cards is still hot as ever of course and over the years these cards which started as a hobby for many when they were kids are now bringing in huge sums of money for the owners. Rare cards like those of **** Ruth or Willie Mays bring in unbelievable prices.

NASCAR is another area that is super hot right now. You can find replica race cars, leather jackets, helmets, etc. My dad is a huge Jeff Gordon fan and has just about everything in existence with his name or picture on it. If you are into NASCAR check into this area of sports memorabilia, you will find an item for whatever racer you like.

Some other sports collectors keep items that relate to their individual recreational sport such as fishing or golf. There are categories that cater to everyone so you are sure to find your niche.



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Stu Owens asked:


It can be challenging and a lot of hard work or it can be simply just taking some time out. However, if you look at your gap year one thing should be gained from your time out – reward. Developing a skill, learning a language, experience a different way of living – all can be rewarding and mean that your gap year was a fulfilling experience.

One gap year experience is to play sport. Are you passionate about sport and feel like you want to share your passion with others? How about sharing this with youngsters in an exciting overseas environment? If these two questions really grab your attention then here is another one – are you going to do something about it? With a gap year sport programme you can develop your coaching skills whilst passing on your knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation.

Sport coaching placements can last for between 10-19 weeks, depending on the sport you coach. Participants coach sport to youngsters in local schools and community teams. On average coaches may also be able to do a part time job and, if desired, it is often possible to supplement this with additional umpiring or refereeing work for your specialist sport.

Whilst challenging and demanding (you could be responsible for a whole class of future sporting heroes!) there is no doubt that the experience of working with youngsters over the course of a school term is highly rewarding. Coaching sport is also a fantastic addition to any CV, allowing you to demonstrate initiative, leadership and communication skills.

With most programmes, you will live alongside other gap year participants that could be in 4 star city centre accommodation that provides easy access via local transport to your place of work. You would also be assigned a local mentor to be on hand to assist you throughout your programme and you will be guaranteed a minimum number of coaching hours per week.

We recommend that people interested in coaching sport obtain suitable coaching and first aid qualifications before departure, as this will assist you in not only getting a job but also giving you assurance of coaching others. It is also beneficial for you to obtain umpiring/refereeing qualifications in your chosen sport in order to take advantage of the full range of work available.

If you are unable to obtain a coaching or First Aid qualification prior to your departure then don’t worry. Some schools are happy to employ people provided they have playing and coaching experience. You can also enrol on a coaching and First Aid course upon arrival in your chosen destination.

Really keen participants can also join a local sports club should you wish to play as well as coach sport during your programme and really make the most of your time and skill.

Sport is a wonderful way to discover a new culture. By combining playing or coaching sport with a gap year, you become integrated into a local community with their sports club or academy and become a second family. Playing or coaching sport provides a framework for your time away. Supplement this with travel, work experience and a whole new group of friends and that’s gap year experience in a nutshell.

People that are passionate about sport and travel can really make the most of their time overseas. Many gap year companies can organise regular social events and excursions, which ensure a fantastic experience for all, whilst ensuring you are always in touch with peers and local people alike. Gap year mentors also assist participants in finding work, dealing with any issues that may arise and co-ordinating travel plans – a real commitment to a personal experience.

So if you are passionate about sport and travel, then why not spend your Gap Year playing and coaching sport in exotic locations around the world.

Sport Lived organise sporting Gap Year programmes in exotic locations around the world. Play or coach your favourite sports and enjoy the excitement of living overseas. www.SportLived.co.uk



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John Kortex asked:


Sports are something that we should all attempt to incorporate into our lives no matter what our age. As we age, it is easy to convince ourselves that sports shouldn’t be a part of our daily lives, but they should! The more active we are, the better we will feel, the better we feel the more rewarding our lives will be. People who continue to play sports all their lives despite feeling the effects of aging will have more energy, better health, and a great outlook on life. Feeling good is the only way to really live, and you can feel great when you incorporate sports into your life at any age.

If you’ve always played sports, you should continue to do so as you age. When you continue to play you are able to hold onto muscle mass and bone density that often causes issues later in life. When you keep moving by playing sports your body will stay as young as possible. Sure, you might not be able to run ten miles cross country as quickly as you once could, or you might have to run just five miles at a time, but there is no reason not to run just because you are aging. If you enjoy playing baseball softball, you might be more exhausted after the game, but you can still play and it’s very beneficial to do so! Basketball is the same way, perhaps you can’t play with all the young kids anymore, but you can get involved with a senior league that will allow you to keep moving, and keep playing the sports that you love.

Playing sports as you age also gives people a great social outlet. Playing sports typically keeps you in touch with other people who like some of the same activities as you. After games it can be fun to go out to lunch or dinner, or just out for a cup of coffee. Not only will staying in the game as you age keep you healthy and fit, it will also keep you in the social circles that you’ve always enjoyed. A perfect balance of a healthy lifestyle and good friends is enough to make anyone really love their life and want to live it to the fullest.

If you are just getting into sports because you have the time now that you’ve retired, it’s still something you can do. You might want to check with your doctor before you try anything too intense, but there are a lot of great senior sports leagues out there that will give you just enough of the sport that you like to keep you fit and healthy. Sports are something we should all incorporate into our lives no matter what our age. When you’re old and you don’t play, you’re really missing out because if you don’t use it, you lose it!



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Gabriel Adams asked:


Most parents consider putting their child in some after school sport from an early age. Many of them change their minds when they realize how expensive and time-consuming that sport will be for them and their child.

Although some sports can be hard on the wallet, they may be worth the sacrifice. Sports activities do involve considerable time commitment, but there are some reasons why that can be beneficial to your child.

Two of my grandchildren were involved in sports since they were preschoolers. One is a boy and the other is a girl. Both of them started playing soccer as recreation when they were that age. They enjoyed the high physical activity of playing soccer on a regular basis. Neither of them were disciplinary problems at home or at school throughout their school years.

My grandson is the oldest and has a very calm personality. On the soccer field, he was a dynamo player. He developed physically and became very well toned. He was very self disciplined both in his academics and in his sports activities. He was at the top of his class all through school even though he spent a lot of time involved with both soccer practice and games.

His parents never had any trouble getting him to go to bed on time. He was worn out from practicing soccer. He ate a healthy diet to stay in good shape for all the physical energy he put into soccer. Year after year, he continued to play soccer and continued to excel in his classes.

When he graduated from high school, he was well known in his communities both for his reputation in soccer but also for his impeccable character. He went on to college and graduated with an engineering degree. Now he is employed as an engineer and is very happily married to his college sweetheart.

My grand daughter has a totally different personality. Although she is very quiet and unassuming, physically she has always been very hyper. She is in a constant state of motion. When she isn’t practicing dance moves, she is kicking a soccer ball.

Not only has she been involved in soccer from an early age, she also played basketball all through school. Besides her time spent in sports, she was in dance classes and recitals from the age of four until she was in 9th grade.

Even though she has been very busy with all the practices and games, she continued to carry a full academic load. She has continued to have an excellent grade point average all through school. Now that she can drive, her parents are relieved of some of their transporting duties. Most of the time, her parents have taken turns attending her games and recitals, always supporting her efforts.

She has never gotten into trouble at school or with law enforcement. Neither has her brother. Maybe they never got in trouble because they didn’t have time with all their sports commitments. She hasn’t shown any interest in dating either. She said she just doesn’t have time right now. However, she has gone to proms and other special school activities. Her dates for these events have been boys she knows from her sports teams.

When she graduates this summer, she will be attending college with a soccer scholarship. She is very excited about going to college even though she has no career plans yet. She is a very sweet innocent girl, but a dynamo, like her brother, when she is on the field. Even when her team doesn’t win, she is happy because she just loves to play.

My conclusions are that sports involvement is good for children. It teaches them how to work as a team player. Sports activities require self discipline which is good because it helps build a good foundation for their adult lives.

Having something specific to do with their time is beneficial and keeps them from feeling bored. Sports involvement gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. Those children and teens who are active in sports haven’t got time to think about getting into trouble. Doesn’t it sound like it is worth your financial and time investment?



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