Opinion

We are looking at youth sports all wrong and that can lead to injuries and burnout

Orthopedic surgeon who has worked with the New York Mets says children's growing bodies need rest, not more reps

By Andrew D. Pearle Fox News

Published October 3, 2026 7:00am EDT

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The fall youth sports season has barely begun, yet millions of parents have already filled up their kids' late summer and autumn calendars with practices, private coaching lessons and travel tournaments.

These parents mean well. They're trying to give their children every possible opportunity to succeed on the field or court.

But many parents have lost sight of what youth sports are meant to achieve. And worse, they're inadvertently putting their kids at risk of injuries or burnout that could harm their long-term health.

PEDIATRICIANS GROUP STANDS UP FOR KIDS' RAPIDLY SHRINKING RECESS TIME: 'VERY POWERFUL BENEFIT'

I grew up playing sports. I love watching my own kids play them. As an orthopedic surgeon who has worked with the New York Mets, I've spent much of my life on, or near, the field.

The American attitude to youth sports can lead to both early burnout and a higher injury risk. (LuckyBusiness/Getty Images)

Those experiences have taught me that we're........

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