Youth sports serve a greater purpose than simply producing the next sports superstar. They focus on building a supportive community and fostering positive habits that last a lifetime. According to former Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Stewart, youth sports provide a foundation for young people to grow into responsible adults.
Stewart, who played in the NFL for 11 seasons, now coaches a middle school football team at Charlotte Christian School in North Carolina. He emphasizes that the community aspect of youth sports is far more important than any on-field achievement. Alongside former Carolina Panthers teammates Greg Olsen and Luke Kuechly, Stewart uses his experience to offer invaluable life lessons to his players.
Stewart highlights that youth sports teach children how to prioritize various aspects of their lives, such as balancing play, study, and home responsibilities. He believes this age is crucial for personal development, as kids are highly impressionable and eager to learn. Through participation in sports, young people find a sense of belonging and purpose.
Coaching has brought unexpected rewards for Stewart. Initially unsure about coaching because he has daughters, he eventually joined the coaching staff when they began attending Charlotte Christian School. His involvement has piqued his daughters’ interest in the sport and helped them connect with his past as a professional athlete.
According to Stewart, football imparts critical life lessons about family, selflessness, responsibility, and self-discovery. Watching players develop their confidence and skills is an immensely rewarding experience for him. He shares an example of a young player named Jack, who despite being small, shows remarkable loyalty and effort both on and off the field.
In a time when incidents of parents behaving poorly at youth sports events are common, Stewart urges others to remember that these activities are for the children. The centerpiece of youth sports is the community and the life lessons learned, not just the game itself.
Beyond sports, Stewart maintains a routine that includes good oral hygiene, which he considers as important as physical exercise. He uses products from the NFL’s official partners, Oral-B and Crest, as part of his daily regimen.
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