As kids grow up and they get into sports, some like experience more than one so they can find success and ultimately choose a game to play full time.
Not only does this allow them to try new things and test out their skills, but studies have shown playing more than one sport can expand a child’s social circle and reduce stress.
So, what happens when a little shinny meets a little footy?
You get a multi-sport camp that two Prince George organizations are hoping to show local kids this long-lasting life value, specializing in hockey and soccer.
BC Hockey North has partnered with the Prince George Youth Soccer Association (PGYSA) to make this event possible for Nov. 29.
“If they play multiple sports, they’ll enjoy sports longer,” said BC Hockey North Regional Centre Manager Allan Bristowe speaking with PrinceGeorgeMatters.
“It’s more of a long-term athlete development plan and that’s the main idea. There are stats that prove you get burned out if you stick to one sport too much; 43 per cent have fewer regrets, fewer serious injuries and it’s what top athletes do. Wayne Gretzky, Russell Wilson, Christine Sinclair, male or female, it doesn’t matter, you play multiple sports you’ll last longer in sports.”
According to a recent study, 46 per cent of athletes who specialize in one sport experience serious injuries compared to 24 per cent when playing more.
Bristowe believes by putting on this camp, it can entice young people to continue to be as active as they can and be able to find their niche along the way by participating in as many sports as they can.
“We tried to figure out what could we do [compared to Hockey Canada] that was a little bit different,” he said while also explaining this is the first time a camp like this has ever been held in B.C. with his organization.
“We had an opening conversation of what we could do together and how we can make this work. It took a little while to figure out the logistics and how we were going to make it together and so we got this on a Pro-D day for students [...] the kids will have three on-ice sessions and three soccer sessions.”
There are up to 50 spots available for this multi-sport camp and Bristowe says there’s also a plan in the works for a hockey/basketball version in January, partnering with Northern Bounce.
There is a cost of $110 per athlete for the one-day event and you can register via BC Hockey’s website, where you’ll also find more information.
