The first goal of youth sports should be to have fun. If children have fun they will be motivated to continue participating, and improvement will come. The fun comes just by kicking, throwing, or running if adults don't add undue pressure to win. Parents' attitudes toward the coach, officials and other players will ultimately communicate how important they think winning is, versus participating, having fun and personal improvement. Feelings of belonging and being part of a group are basic human needs.
Friends are critical to healthy emotional development for children and teens.
Emphasizing team spirit and unity also teaches important traits of loyalty and cooperation for the good of the whole that can carry over into other areas of life. Parents and coaches should help children focus on becoming better than their own past performance. Comparisons with others can be risky and discouraging, since someone will always be better. The goal should be to help children compare themselves against themselves, then they can always improve and have goals to work toward. It is important to remember that only a few will be the very best at the sport.