Youth sports keeps kids off couch

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The smell of fresh cut grass is in the air as the players take the field on RAF Lakenheath. The sound of children cheering can be heard, not from the stands but on the field. They are cheering for fellow teammates and opponents as part of the Youth Sports Program.

More than 250 local youths play each sport offered throughout the year. Additionally, more than 50 volunteers per sport sign up to coach youth sports such as baseball, soccer, football and basketball.

"I became a coach because my kids play sports, but also because it is a great program and I want to be a part of it," said Maj. Ian Rybczynski, 48th Aerospace Medical Squadron. 

The Youth Sports Program gives children ages five to 18 an opportunity to get out of the house and participate in healthy outdoor activity alongside their peers.

"Our program is designed to keep the kids active," said Willie Price, 48th Services Squadron Youth Sports Program director. "It's important for kids to get out of the house and stay active instead of coming home after school and sitting down in front of the television."

Youth Sports help promote self-esteem and self-confidence, build character, inspire good living habits and social values; all of which result in a better lifestyle.

One of the ways the program helps promote a healthy lifestyle is by not keeping score. The Youth Sports Program is a non-competitive league.

"It's not about scores, it's about learning the game," said Mr. Price. "It's about teaching the kids the fundamentals of the sport and hopefully fostering an interest in sports at a young age."

Children who take an interest in sports at a young age are more likely to continue to play sports.

"Youth sports are tremendously important for improving fitness," said Major Rybczynski. "In today's world, it is easy for kids to be well-entertained without leaving the house. Youth sports helps kids get outside and get in shape."

Childhood obesity has risen more than 15 percent in the last 20 years according to www.childstats.gov website. Separate studies done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Sporting Goods Association found 27 percent of youths ages nine to 13 play organized baseball in a typical week, while only six percent play on their own. The shift to an indoor childhood has accelerated in the past decade, with huge declines in spontaneous outdoor activities such as bike riding, swimming and touch football according to the Web site. Bike riding alone is down 31 percent since 1995.

"Kids today will go home and sit down to watch sports, not many will get up and go out to play them," said Mr. Price.

Watching sports can be fun and exiting, but it can't compete with the real thing. Physical activity is vital to the healthy growth and development of young children. The Youth Sports Program offers physical activity in a structured environment, doing something kids like; having fun.