Everyone has had a front-row seat to the alarming rise of the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) mentality in youth athletics. Most agree it’s not a pretty sight.
Gone are the days when kids would lace up their cleats, grab their gloves, and head to the field or court because they genuinely loved the game. Every decision is driven by a desperate need to keep up with the Joneses – whether signing up for the latest travel team, forking over cash for private lessons, or donning the trendiest gear.
And the saddest part? It’s not even about the kids anymore. It’s about the parents, consumed by a relentless need to ensure their child doesn’t “fall behind” their peers. The focus has shifted from developing well-rounded, passionate young athletes to creating a facade of success, no matter the cost.
Have you ever seen parents have their kids in highly competitive programs, not because the child has the skill or desire, but simply because “everyone else is doing it?” We have become so afraid of our kids missing out on some mythical opportunity that we’re willing to throw them into the deep end, regardless of whether they can swim.
Playing travel simply because someone else is, not based on skill level is a recipe for disaster, both for the player and the team. It’s unfair to the child, who’s suddenly thrust into a pressure-filled environment they’re not equipped to handle.
And the FOMO-driven madness doesn’t stop there. Everyone has either seen or themselves shelled out thousands of dollars for private lessons, not because their kid needs the extra help, but because they’re convinced that’s the only way to keep up with the competition. Note that many kids can use the lessons, and there are benefits with the right coaches. Never mind that sometimes the best way to improve is through good, old-fashioned team practice and skill-building – no, it’s all about that private one-on-one time, even if it means going into debt.
Taking lessons because someone else is is another surefire way to erode the joy and passion that should be at the heart of youth sports. When a young player’s athletic pursuits become more about impressing others than exploring their potential, it’s a recipe for burnout and disillusionment.
And let’s remember the gear and equipment. Young players today are decked out in the latest high-tech, high-price athletic apparel not because they need it but because they feel like they have to “look the part.” A specific shirt or pair of cleats will somehow make them a better player.
A shirt that said it perfectly stated, “Swag is in you, not on you.” The sooner we can get back to the basics – focusing on fundamentals, teamwork, and the pure love of the game – the better off our young athletes will be.
The most concerning aspect is how FOMO is warping the very nature of team sports. What used to be a shared experience, where kids learned the value of collaboration and camaraderie, is now increasingly becoming an individualistic pursuit.
Team sports are beginning to become individual, and that’s a troubling development. Instead of working together towards a common goal, players are more concerned with their own personal stats, highlight reels, and perceived “value” to the team. This mentality breeds selfishness, resentment, and a complete disconnect from the true spirit of the game.
And let’s not forget about the physical toll this FOMO-driven madness is taking on these young athletes. Athletes are being pushed to “get ahead” at younger and younger ages. Focusing on things like agility training and weightlifting completely ignores the fundamental skills and physical development that should be the foundation at this age.
Working on agility over fundamental skills and lifting at an age before you can even do a pull-up” is a recipe for disaster. These kids are still growing and developing, and pushing them too hard, too fast, can lead to serious injuries, both in the short and long term.
Look, everyone gets it. People want their kids to succeed and have every possible opportunity. But at what cost? When the fear of missing out becomes the driving force behind decisions, we lose sight of what youth sports should be about.
It’s time to step back, take a deep breath, and remember that these are children, not professional athletes. The goal shouldn’t be to create the next superstar but to foster a lifelong love of physical activity, teamwork, passion for the game, and personal growth.
We need to shift the focus back to the fundamentals – the joy of learning new skills, the thrill of working together towards a common goal, the sense of accomplishment that comes from putting in the hard work. FOMO has no place in that equation.
As parents, coaches, and administrators, everybody is responsible for creating an environment where young athletes can thrive, not one where they’re constantly pressured to keep up.
