Colman Noctor: Why not have a summer camp culture all year?

We need to reconsider the offerings we have for children’s sport and develop models that are driven by children’s attitude to sport and competitiveness

Are we at risk of losing children from sport if the culture of competitiveness continues? Picture: iStock

Summer camps this year have brought into sharp focus the vital role sport plays in promoting children’s emotional and social development.

I have long spoken about children’s sport becoming too competitive too early.  My fear is that the spirit of participation will be sacrificed by the objective of winning.  I have treated hundreds of children who have either lost their love for or retired from or indeed been traumatised by a hyper-competitive sporting culture.  The drivers are often over-zealous coaches and/or parents who get over-involved in their child’s sporting achievements.