Building Meaningful Relationships in Youth Sports

A growing body of research shows that meaningful relationships are about more than what we get; they’re about what we give. Psychologist and best-selling author, Adam Grant, noted in his recent article that “mattering” isn’t just about being valued, but about knowing we add value to others.

This is especially true for kids in today’s world. Recent surveys reveal that 72% of teens have used AI companions, and nearly a third find them as satisfying, or more satisfying, than human interactions. But, why do kids find bots more satisfying than human interaction? Chatbots are good at offering empathy and validation. 

But there’s a catch: those interactions are one-sided. Kids can receive attention, but they don’t get the deeper experience of giving support.

What the Research Says About How Kids Build Strong Relationships

• Contribution Drives Well-Being
  Studies show that people live longer when they have responsibilities that allow them to give back, even something as simple as taking care of a plant. As humans, we want to contribute and feel like we are making a difference in the world around us. Sports provide an opportunity for kids to have those invaluable experiences. 
• Support Creates Growth
  Children build confidence and resilience when they understand that their actions have a positive impact on others. Youth sports provide a stage for kids to learn and develop these skills. Whether it’s passing the ball to a teammate or setting a screen, kids learn teamwork and the importance of working together towards a common goal and positive outcome.
• One-Sided Relationships Fall Short
  Whether it’s with technology or in life, interactions that only involve receiving can reinforce unhealthy behaviors and limit growth. While AI is intuitive, we are just scratching the surface of what impact it will and can have on human development. One thing we do know is that we need to be a part of a team or group, and we need community to feel fulfilled. Youth sports provide a space for kids to practice their social skills and connect with others. 

What This Means for How Youth Sports Help Kids Build Strong Relationships

Youth sports offer something unique that no chatbot, app, or screen can replicate— a space for kids to both give and obtain support. On the field, kids not only receive positive support from coaches and parents but they learn how to encourage a teammate, share responsibility, compromise, and celebrate collective success. 

For parents, this is a reminder that success in youth sports is not only about winning. The deeper value is in how children learn to matter, not just to themselves, but to those around them.

How Parents and Coaches Can Help Kids Develop Strong Relationships through Sports:

• Encourage your child to take on small team responsibilities.
• Praise not only effort and achievement, but also acts of kindness and support.
• Remind them that being a great teammate means giving back as much as it does standing out.

Big Picture: How Youth Sports Help Kids Develop 

As technology becomes more integrated into kids’ lives, it’s tempting to see validation as the ultimate measure of well-being. But what kids truly need is the sense that they make a difference. Youth sports provide one of the best environments to help children grow into not only better athletes, but better friends, leaders, and ultimately human beings.