Why 2024 Will Be the Year of Sports: One Sports Mom’s Perspective

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Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by The Smetz Files

I predict 2024 will be a year filled with youth sports, read more to find out why!

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If the presents under the Christmas tree are any indication, 2024 will be a year of more youth sports for our family. Not that we’re complaining.

In fact, we are a sports loving family, so it’s all good with us!

Sports Family

A few weeks ago we were hanging out with some friends and the topic of youth sports came up. Our friends were surprised how much time and energy we devoted to the kids’ sports schedules.

We lamented them with stories of weather delays, early morning games, and frantic weekends when we divided and conquered to get each kid to their event on time. [Side note: G goes to middle school next year and I’m told playing school sports is a game changer! I’m kind of looking forward to that aspect of the transition to middle school.]

Could we save the money and direct it elsewhere? YES!

Could we use the time to spend more weekends at the beach? YES!

Do we love cheering our kids and their teammates on each weekend? YES!!!

We chuckle at the absurdity of it all and yet, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love that they’re confident to try new things. The families of teammates become great friends. I admire how our kids willingly try out for new teams and make new friends.

Please don’t be concerned we overemphasize sports at our house. The kids are well rounded and have varied interests. They are active in children’s choir, church youth group, service projects, weekend retreats, cotillion, and student council. It’s not all fun and games (see what I did there, Sports Moms?!).

Why I predict 2024 will be the year of sports:

1. S got catcher’s gear!
2. G got training equipment!
3. We planned our family vacations around their sports schedules (no easy feat!).

Behind the Plate

Last year, S decided to take a step back from competitive gymnastics in lieu of trying some other sports. This was a big decision and we worried about her being behind since she had devoted a few years to exclusively training in the gym.

She’s had the benefit of great coaches and picked up softball and basketball with relative ease. And a lot of focus and determination!

When she tried kid pitch softball this fall, she learned to catch. S used the coach’s gear since it was her first ever attempt, but excitedly added catcher’s equipment to her Christmas list. Dad and big brother helped her suit up Christmas morning! I can’t wait to see her continue to refine her craft this spring season!

Training

G got training equipment to help with his off season preparations. He’s spent the last few seasons playing several positions, but has consistently focused on pitching.

We absolutely prioritize protecting his arm and his team is working on a winter throwing and training program to strengthen their pitchers and prepare for the spring season.

For Christmas we added to our repertoire of training gear with weights, a medicine ball, and a variety of bands to support his pitching arm. I’m excited to see him take his preparation to the next level and intend to get in on home of his conditioning and workouts with him!

Travel

We are big proponents of giving the kids experiences as gifts. We find that the memories are enduring, far longer than having the most favored toy of the season. With that said, as the kids have gotten older and become more focused on their sports, travel time has become rare for our family.

With some careful mental gymnastics we found a week we could sneak away for a quick family trip after winter sports wrap and the insanity of spring/summer sports seasons begin. We’re looking forward to a little fun in the sun and adventure with the hopes of coming back refreshed and ready for baseball and softball!

So, will 2024 be the year of youth sports?

For us, the answer is a resounding yes!

I am not mad about it. In fact, I’m fully embracing being in my Sports Mom Era. I know the days are long, but the years are short. I intend to enjoy each moment and cheer them on.

What are you looking forward to in the new year?! Leave a comment below to let me know!