I think I could better understand a Bar or Bat Mitzvah of this type several decades ago, when we didn't realize that many products of Hebrew schools were unlikely to develop an avid affiliation of their own. I don't think we can judge those who offered their children celebrations like these in the past, or even those who do so today, unaware of current circumstances other than that this is what all the other children are given. They focused upon Jewish education, camps, and trips to Israel as means to solidify Jewish identity. Introducing this new section, the publishers admitted that the children likely didn't realize the full import of this momentous day, but stated with confidence that they would at a later time. I question whether this assumption is obvious.
Children learn what is important, and they learn from their parents.
I believe that a parent who funds a celebration with a soccer theme sends a different message than a parent who leads a weekly discussion of the parsha around the table. Maybe I'm wrong. Perhaps this is totally misdirected. As I said, I'm inviting comments and disagreement. I'd like to hear from parents, if they are willing to offer this as food for thought and discussion at their tables.