Why your soccer player should play multiple sports... and why they shouldn't.

The question of whether or not competitive youth soccer players should participate in other sports has been hotly debated for as long as I can remember.

As a former multi-sport athlete, I can attest to the many benefits of playing multiple sports growing up. Not only did I develop a well-rounded level of physical fitness, but I also learned valuable skills and lessons that have helped me throughout my life. However, I also understand why it may be desirable or even necessary for some players to specialize in soccer alone.

I'll also admit that, as a coach, it is much easier to manage a team of players who only play soccer. Not having to worry about my top striker missing a game to a basketball conflict, or reteach an entire training session because a few players had a football game is much more preferable for me.

But …no one ever said coaching was easy … and this discussion isn't really about me, is it?

So, in this post we're going to talk about the pros and cons of both approaches; and will strive to provide some unbiased perspective to help you and your players make an informed decision about how to approach sports participation.

The case for playing multiple sports

Build a well-rounded athlete

One of the biggest benefits of playing multiple sports for youth soccer players is the development of a well-rounded level of physical fitness. Soccer is a sport that demands a lot from the body, and participating in other sports can help build strength, endurance, and flexibility in different muscle groups. This can also reduce the risk of burnout, which can be a problem when children play the same sport year-round.

Protect against overuse injury

Another potential benefit of participating in other sports is protection against overuse injuries.

There is research that suggests that participating in multiple sports may help reduce the risk of injury among youth athletes. One study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that youth athletes who specialize in one sport before the age of 15 are more likely to suffer from overuse injuries compared to those who play multiple sports. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that "early sport specialization in one sport may be a risk factor for injury," and that "athletes who participate in multiple sports may have a lower risk of injury."

Another study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, surveyed 85 collegiate athletes who reported that they were less likely to be injured when they were multi-sport athletes in high school compared to those who focused on one sport. Furthermore, the study found that single-sport athletes in high school were more likely to have a history of serious injury and experience multiple injuries than their multi-sport counterparts.

Disclaimer! I am not a medical professional (that D in biology freshman year killed that dream)… the information provided above is a summary of my observations, experiences, and understanding based on my own, independent research.

Increase adaptability and versatility

Another benefit of playing multiple sports is the increased versatility that comes with learning different skills. Soccer requires a specific set of skills, such as ball control and passing, but playing other sports can help develop other important skills such as hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and spatial awareness. This can make young soccer players more well-rounded and better able to adapt to different situations on the field.

Furthermore, playing multiple sports can also be beneficial for a child’s ability to adapt off the field. I personally credit playing a variety of sports, and experiences getting to know broad and diverse social groups, with improving my ability to feel comfortable fitting into in to new situations. I believe this has proven useful in both my social life and career off the field.

The case against playing multiple sports

While I believe that playing multiple sports can be valuable for many young soccer players, there are also (very valid) reasons why they might benefit from specializing in soccer alone, even from a younger age.

Develop Technical Skills and Mastery

Soccer is a very technical sport that requires a great deal of skill and practice to master. The footwork, ball control, and tactical understanding required to excel in soccer can take many years to develop, and players who spend all of their time practicing these skills will have a significant advantage over those who are dividing their time and energy between multiple sports.

In my view, the overall ability of players in the youth ranks continues to rise year after year. Depending on your child's natural ability and desired level of play, they may need the extra hours of dedicated practice in order to keep up.

Unique Athletic Demands

The physical demands of soccer are unique. Soccer requires a combination of endurance, speed, and agility, as well as the ability to change direction quickly and accurately, that is not replicated in many other sports. Players who specialize in soccer will have the opportunity to focus on developing the specific fitness and conditioning needed to excel in the sport.

Advancement and Exposure

Specialization in soccer can lead to increased opportunities for advancement and exposure. Players who can demonstrate high levels of skill and ability early on are more likely to be selected for advanced teams and programs. This increased exposure can lead to even more opportunities to develop and showcase one's skills, and could even open the door to college scholarships or professional careers.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to specialize or play multiple sports will depend solely on your player and your families goals and unique circumstances. While all of these factors should be considered, it is most important to stay attuned to your  athlete's attitude and interest in the sport over time.

Speak frequently with your child's coach to get their perspective on how the player is showing up to training sessions and games.

If you have concerns that your child may be losing interest in the sport, we'll be coming back later with "Signs of Soccer Burnout," to help you understand when your player might be doing too much.

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