70% Of Kids Quitting Sports By Age 13

Online, May 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - May 17, 2010 - According to the recently-launched "Stop Sports Injuries" campaign headed by a group of medical, sports, and business leaders, 70% percent of kids are quitting sports by age 13.

A primary cause of this trend is burnout, which can result in "a lack of motivation to compete, issues with anger, anxiety, depression, and possibly even substance abuse," according to Dr. Chris Stankovich, a sport psychology consultant and advocate for positive youth sport development.

In addition to the burnout factor, kids are now specializing in one sport and training year-round, leaving them at serious risk for injury. With this trend, pediatric experts have seen a rise in overuse injuries previously associated with only aging professional athletes.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 3.5 million children age 14 and younger are treated for sports injuries each year.

Pressure from parents and coaches contributes to this youth burnout epidemic. Kids need to play and have fun; it is critical for their physical, emotional, psychological, and social development.

"While it is true kids like to win, study after study consistently shows that having fun is far more important than anything else - including winning. When youth sports become a job for kids, you can be sure you will lose their interest, motivation, and excitement to play their best," says Dr. Stankovich.

A San Diego company, Zenthuze (TM), recently launched to provide fun, outdoor, non-sport-specific, non-competitive, general fitness conditioning for kids (and adults). For more information on program offerings, contact Hayley Isaacs, MS at hayley@zenthuze.com or (858) 603-3097 or www.zenthuze.com.