Step into the shoes of the average middle school athlete and you will find that the world is a much different place than when we were young. Most of these young people were not even alive for the first Gulf War, were not around the first time the World Trade Center was bombed, and the only President Bush they know is George W. Video games, the Internet, instant-messaging, cell phones with all the bells and whistles are the norm. The world is swirling with an abundance of information, media messages, school and activity related obligations . . . and the pressures build.

In a world where children are more sedentary, childhood obesity, diabetes, ADD, and ADHD are on the rise (among many other issues), youth sports, done well, can be a treasure chest of value, opportunity, and relationship that so many young people are craving in their lives today. According to Shane Murphy, Ph.D, in his book The Cheers and the Tears, the main reason kids play sports is to have fun. Moreover, young people enjoy the physical activity, being with friends, and learning new skills. Competition, goal setting and the thrill of the game are also some of the top reasons kids play sports.

A Youth Ministry Mindset

Additionally, Catholic youth sports offers athletes opportunities to play sports in an atmosphere of fair play, good sportsmanship, and exciting competition while keeping in mind the values of respect, virtue, dignity, righteousness, and love of neighbor. Catholic youth sports in the context of youth ministry helps organizations set direction for the course for their youth sports programs. Renewing the Vision sets three goals for all opportunities embracing youth:

Goal 1: To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today (RTV9)

Goal 2: To draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. (RTV 11)

Goal 3: To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. (RTV 15)

NCCYS Kickoff

In January 2004, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry approved the proposal for creation of the National Center for Catholic Youth Sports (NCCYS). The mission of NCCYS is to empower athletic leaders to animate Gospel values in Catholic youth sports, encouraging young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. A top-notch faculty of dedicated professionals from around the country is available to provide leaders with training, resources, and services as well as tools to advocate for Gospel values in Catholic youth sports programs. Some popular topics include Coaches as the Face of God, What is Catholic about CYO Sports, Risk Management and Coaching through the Lens of Parish Youth Ministry. (For more information about NCCYS check out the website: www.nccys.org)

A Holistic Approach

In a world that focuses on a win-at-all-cost attitude, where professional athletes have moved from role model to entertainer, and when kids are just not having fun anymore, Catholic youth sports should be offering more . . .

• a safe place to play, physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually;
• a place where lessons are learned in winning and lessons are learned in losing;
• a place where all are welcomed and respected for who they are, not only for what they can or cannot do;
• a place where values, character and faith matter;
• a place where God is present.