Epl Schedule
How to Keep Kids in Sports Engaged and Motivated for Long-Term Success
I remember watching Kouame’s journey unfold in the UAAP—it was impossible not to be captivated. Here was an 18-year-old foreign student athlete, stepping into Ateneo as a true rookie, and not just holding his own but dominating. Winning Rookie of the Year in Season 81 against talents like Dave Ildefonso and CJ Cansino was no small feat. By the time he wrapped up his college career, he’d secured three championships with the Blue Eagles. That trajectory didn’t happen by accident. It’s a perfect case study in what it takes to keep young athletes engaged and motivated over the long haul. And honestly, it’s something I’ve seen time and again in youth sports—whether here in the Philippines or abroad. The challenge isn’t just getting kids to join a team; it’s keeping them there, passionate and driven, especially when the initial excitement fades.
So, how do we make that happen? From my perspective, a huge part of it comes down to environment. Kouame didn’t just land in any program—he joined Ateneo, which has a reputation for fostering growth both on and off the court. That’s critical. When kids feel supported not just as athletes but as people, they’re more likely to stick around. I’ve spoken with dozens of coaches over the years, and the ones who see the best retention rates are those who prioritize relationships. They know their players’ interests outside of sports, check in on their academics, and create a sense of family. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many programs miss this. In fact, studies suggest that nearly 70% of young athletes who quit cite a negative team environment as the main reason. That’s a staggering number, and it’s something we can actively change.
Another piece of the puzzle is setting meaningful, attainable goals. Kouame’s early success—like that Rookie of the Year award—wasn’t just a trophy; it was validation. It reinforced that his efforts were paying off. For kids, especially between ages 10 and 16, small wins can be incredibly motivating. I always advise parents and coaches to celebrate progress, not just outcomes. Did a player improve their free-throw percentage by 5%? That’s a win. Did they show better teamwork in today’s drill? Acknowledge it. When young athletes see their growth, they’re more likely to develop what I call “intrinsic motivation”—the drive that comes from within, not from external pressure. And let’s be real, that’s the kind of motivation that lasts. Extrinsic rewards—trophies, medals, even praise—can only take you so far. I’ve seen too many kids burn out because they were playing for their parents or for recognition, not because they genuinely loved the game.
Variety and fun are non-negotiable, too. Think about it: if every practice feels like a grind, why would a kid want to stay? One thing I loved about following Kouame’s career was seeing how Ateneo mixed things up. They didn’t just run drills; they incorporated game-like scenarios, focused on skill-building in creative ways, and kept the energy high. I remember one coach telling me that they switch up training routines every 3–4 weeks to prevent monotony. It works. In my own experience working with youth teams, introducing elements like friendly competitions, cross-training, or even just playing different sports during the off-season can reignite passion. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that kids who engage in multiple sports early on are 25% less likely to experience burnout. That’s a statistic worth paying attention to.
Of course, we can’t ignore the role of autonomy. Giving young athletes a voice in their journey is powerful. Kouame, for instance, wasn’t just following orders—he was encouraged to develop his own style and take ownership of his growth. When kids feel like they have some control—whether it’s helping to set practice goals or choosing which position they’d like to explore—they invest more emotionally. I’ve seen this firsthand with my nephew’s soccer team. The coach lets players lead warm-ups or suggest drills occasionally, and the engagement levels have skyrocketed. It’s a small shift, but it makes sports feel like something they’re co-creating, not just being subjected to.
Then there’s the long-term vision. Kouame’s story didn’t end with his rookie year; he built toward those three championships over time. That’s a lesson in pacing. Too often, I see parents and coaches pushing kids to specialize too early, aiming for immediate results. But data from youth sports organizations indicates that early specialization actually increases dropout rates by up to 35%. Instead, we should be framing sports as a marathon, not a sprint. Emphasize skill development over winning every game. Highlight how sports teach resilience, teamwork, and discipline—lessons that apply far beyond the court. I’ll admit, I’m biased here: I believe the primary goal of youth sports should be lifelong well-being, not producing pros. Only about 2% of high school athletes go on to play at the professional level, so why are we structuring programs as if every kid is aiming for that?
Ultimately, keeping kids engaged in sports boils down to connection, growth, and joy. Kouame’s success at Ateneo wasn’t just about his talent; it was about the ecosystem around him—the coaches who mentored him, the goals that fueled him, and the fun he undoubtedly had along the way. If we can replicate that for more young athletes, we’ll not only see more success stories but also help them fall in love with movement for life. And really, that’s the win that matters most.