Sports Youth Leagues Teams Play Children Learn Parents

In the United States, many cities organize youth sports "leagues" (groups of teams that play games against each other). Youth sports leagues are viewed as ways to help children learn to cooperate with each other, make friends, learn to love "physical fitness" (healthy bodies), and have fun.

Youth sports leagues divide children into teams based on their age, usually beginning around age 31/2. The most common sports are soccer, "flag football" (a simpler, gentler form of American football), and basketball. Children usually spend a few weeks in practice sessions to learn the rules of the game, and then they have games for a few weeks "in a row" (sequentially; without a gap).

Youth sports leagues "emphasize" (put a focus on) "inclusion," or the idea that everyone should be allowed to participate and no one should be excluded. "Regardless of" (without paying attention to) "level of ability" (how well someone can play), everyone is invited to play in each game.

Many youth sports leagues, especially at the younger ages, do not "keep score" (count how many points each team has earned). Parents and other "spectators" (people who watch a game) are encouraged to "cheer" (make happy sounds and clap) for both teams and to emphasize the importance of trying one's best rather than focusing on winning.

Finally, parents and other "caregivers" (people who care for children) "generally" (typically) play an active role in youth sports leagues. Many of the coaches are volunteers, and usually they are the parent of a player. Other parents are often asked to bring "snacks" (food eaten between meals) to share with all the players after each practice or game, and the teams often have a party after the last game.