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Health & Fitness

Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - "Fall" in love with Athletics- by Mike Arrington

As the summer winds down, young athletes will begin to train for the fall season. Everyone agrees that team sports are terrific for children. They teach sportsmanship, cooperation amid competition, and how to have fun on the playing field.

Your child may be a beginning soccer player or a seasoned high school sports athlete. Regardless of where he or she falls in youth sports, there are things all parents should do to keep their athlete safe and happy.  Growing up I played any sport that was offered in our community and any sport that my parents were willing to take me to because without their support (i.e.  Driving me to and from practice) I would have not been able to experience all there is regarding sports.  So as the Recreation specialist here at MPCC here are some factors I suggest talking to your athlete about to aide them in finding the right sport to play this Fall and beyond.

What does your child enjoy? Although it may be tempting to encourage your child to follow your legacy by playing a sport that you excelled in, this strategy has been known to backfire. Kids want the chance to discover their own talents and create their own unique identities. Instead of pushing your child toward your favorite activities, try to help them discover their own.

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Does your child prefer individual or group activities? Another factor to consider is whether your child has a preference for individual performance or strictly group-based participation.  Sports like soccer, lacrosse and football are much more about strategy through teamwork.  If they are looking for individual sports have them participate in Tennis or Track in Field. They can even try our MPCC Junior track team we offer at Manassas Park Elementary school.

Here at MPCC our fall / winter athletics will help introduce your athlete to a variety of sport and recreation programs. We offer Basketball clinics and leagues all the way down the sports spectrum to dance and tumbling classes. Organized youth sports provide a fun and easy way for kids to stay physically active. Time after time, studies have shown that physical activity prevents obesity, helps behavior problems and improves grades.

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All children need support and just by taking an interest you can encourage your child to stay on course. Your involvement is the key to their success. Attend their games and practice with them at home.  Keeping your child connected to the physical activities they love is a gift that keeps on giving. Kids who grow up being physically active and having positive associations with sports during youth remain physically active as adults.

Stop by the center to check out our program listings or atwww.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com and see all that we have to offer.  Every experience begins with a single step. Hope to see your athlete in one of our programs.

Until next time!

Mike

Mike Arrington is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department.  He can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at m.arrington@manassasparkva.gov.

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.

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