Sports: Multisport

Learn about early sports specialization in children and why researchers and experts are cautioning parents that this trend isn’t great for young kids.

Besides being fun and excellent for developing physical literacy, multisport programs offer convenience and affordability for parents.

By playing multiple sports, the idea is that kids will experience fewer overuse injuries, less burnout, and less dropout from activity.

The multi-sport event, organized by the International Olympic Committee, brings together top teenage athletes from around the world.

Caleigh MacPherson, a soccer player for the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers, fell in love with the sport from a very young age. She was just four years old when she first started playing soccer, but she said the fact that she spent time spent playing other sports too is what helped her become the high-performing athlete … Continued

Have you heard of disc golf? If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active and get outdoors this fall, then why not give it a try? Disc golf is an intergenerational sport where participants try to throw special flying discs or Frisbees into an above-ground target. The sport is based on the rules of golf, but instead of … Continued

A new free multisport program in Nova Scotia is helping more Cape Breton Island children develop physical literacy while learning how to play various sports. Capers in the Community launched this summer and is being offered at no cost in towns throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). The four-day camp gives children ages five to … Continued

Middle school is a tough time to find activities to participate in. It can be nearly impossible in rural communities. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality Recreation Department along with the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage decided to mend this gap for young girls ages 12-16 with the program “After The Bell” (ATB). ATB is a … Continued

As educators, it’s important to ensure children are introduced to physical literacy. Providing a variety of movement opportunities in as many different environments as possible inspires children to be active now and hopefully for life. In February, staff at École élémentaire publique Jeanne-Sauvé in Orleans, Ont. along with P.E. teachers from three other schools in … Continued

About once a year a sharp pang of regret hits me. It’s most likely to strike on one of two occasions: in the winter after a big snowfall or out on the lake at a summer cottage. The two situations are vastly different, yet both stir up similar feelings of regret, embarrassment, and frustration. So, … Continued

Multisport programs are spreading across Canada

Multisport mission We want to help kids reach their potential through sport! CBRM Multisport is a collaborative project between community sport organizations, CBRM Recreation Department, and Cape Breton University (CBU), with the support of numerous community sport stakeholders. The program vision is simple, to provide children the opportunity to grow through sport by developing physical … Continued

How does an athlete become great?

Being active doesn’t have to slow down once September rolls around. It may just take some planning to fit activity into the structure of the school year.

It’s time to stop debating who is responsible for making multi-sport programming a priority for kids under the age of 8. Here’s a list of actions we can all take.

Multi-sport camps keep the focus on fun

Study shows the multi-sport approach builds physical literacy

It is crucial that our children develop skills at an early age. Inactivity negatively impacts a very important feedback loop – children who are active develop movement skills; skill building boosts confidence; confident children are motivated to seek skill-building activities across a variety of situations. This feedback loop of skill, confidence, and motivation describes how … Continued

Playing many sports helps develop physical literacy

Here’s a hint: it’s not single sport specialization

New 4-in-1 Physical Literacy program gets results

Indigenous youth from Canada and the U.S. compete in 14 sports

Multisport training can help you excel in your sport of choice

AfL Role Model Glen Mulcahy is on a mission to keep kids active for life