Sports
Herndon Mom: Youth Sports Are Getting Out of Control
She says, it's time to get youth sports back to the healthy activities they used to be.
Herndon mom Kathy Hogan says, it's a shame that "angry coaches, out-of-control parents and frustrated athletes" have become the norm in youth sports today. She says, it's time for a change.
"It’s time to turn that around. Our children deserve better," she said.
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As a local mom of four sports-enthused children, Hogan said she's seen it all, from the sidelines, so she knows first-hand what it can really be like out there.
Eventually, Hogan's experiences coaching the Herndon Youth Soccer program and basketball for the Herndon Optimist League and her subsequent insights into the matter led her to take pen to paper and write a book about how local parents can, and should, get youth sports back to what they should be - healthy, fun activities that produce kind, team-oriented kids.
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"It’s time to create a healthier atmosphere for our young athletes," Hogan said. "We have all seen the negative stories that make headlines. It’s time to take a closer look at positive stories that can change people’s lives forever."
Hogan said her book, Take the Lead: Make Youth Sports What They Were Meant to Be, is filled with inspirational stories about coaches and athletes, and encourages parents and coaches to take a fresh look at youth sports.
"Long after their jump shots have faded and their sprints have slowed down, athletes should be promising, contributing members of our society," she said.
"How do we make that happen? We focus on teaching not only athletic skills, but also life lessons. Sports experiences can instill the lessons you want athletes to learn. That way, when the games are over and the cheers die down, your children will have the skills they really need."
In addition to sharing her book with others, Hogan still coaches the Upward basketball ministry at Herndon United Methodist Church, and is donating 50 percent of the proceeds from sales of Take the Lead back to the church.
PATCH WANTS TO KNOW - Do you agree with Kathy Hogan? Have you experienced negativity in youth sports, either from the coaches, the parents or the young players? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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