New Year’s resolutions for your athlete

As the holiday season draws to a close, it can only mean one thing – a new year is almost upon us. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions. For young athletes, a new year can be the perfect time to rededicate yourself to a sport to lead to a better overall experience.

Here are a few New Year’s resolutions that your young athlete could consider making:

1. Sportsmanship: In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to lose your temper and say something or act in a manner that you’re embarrassed by later. Focus on retaining a positive attitude and treating everyone, from teammates to the refs, with respect.
2. Time management: Being an athlete and a student, among countless other roles, can be difficult to manage. Making sure you leave enough time for practice, school, relaxation, rest and more will ensure one area isn’t lacking and relieve stress from trying to balance everything.
3. Be a great teammate: Learning to support your teammates, even when they make a mistake, owning up to your own mistakes, and understanding how best to help your teammates is essential for success on the field, while teaching important life skills for off the field. Learning to work together with a variety of skill levels and personalities will serve you well long after you stop playing.

A new year is a chance for a new beginning. And for the athlete in your family, a new year is the perfect opportunity to become a better athlete and teammate.