According to Courage First Athlete Helpline, “65% of athletes indicated experiencing at least one incident of psychological harm or neglect while participating in youth sports.” This statistic alone shows how unsafe sports environments can be when athletes are under pressure. Club sports are intended to provide athletes with opportunities for growth and success. They have become overly competitive and toxic environments that prioritize winning and profit over players’ mental health.
Over the past couple of years, the process of committing to college for athletics has become increasingly competitive, especially among students who participate in both club and school sports. Athletes often turn to club sports to enhance their resumes when applying to competitive colleges, particularly Division I colleges. According to the Menlo-Atherton Chronicle, “[i]n the United States, approximately 28% of all youth participated in club sports,” but what is the cost?
While most club programs aim to help athletes improve, many club members may experience both physical and verbal mistreatment. For athletes who begin at a young age, club sports can be detrimental to their mental health, especially as they strive to develop their skills and become well-rounded players.
Long hours of travel and practices for young athletes can create a vulnerable environment, which leads to high levels of stress and anxiety for kids who are still developing as players. According to Seattle Anxiety Specials, “Despite the camaraderie, sports can be isolating for some individuals, particularly those who struggle to meet the expectations of their peers, coaches, or parents.” Parental expectations can have large impacts on their children’s mental health, whether they mean to or not. Pressure from parents to perform and win can increase stress and anxiety, leading some to feel that their self-worth is tied to their athletic success.
Club sports often place intense pressure on athletes to perform well, not only for themselves but also to justify the time, money, and sacrifices their families make. Over time, pressure can erode the joy and love of the sport, replacing the game’s happiness with burnout and mental exhaustion. What once brought joy to athletes can now feel more like an obligation. This shift is difficult because sports often hold many memories, and with burnout, they become activities that student-athletes begin to dread.
At the center of the issue is the structure of club sports themselves. Many club sports are their own companies built around winning. The foundation built highlights success rather than a balanced, sound player mentality. Environments like this can affect athletes psychologically. Pressure to win can lead players to doubt their worth and skills, rather than to focus on their development.
Some may believe these issues are few and far between, but they occur closer to us than most people realize. Just a few years ago, Absolute Volleyball youth coach Konrad Ott was sent to jail for allegedly hitting a player. Absolute Volleyball is in San Rafael, and according to the Marin Independent Journal, “[o]ne of the girls asked a question. Ott, using profanity, called the question ‘stupid’ and struck her in the face with an open hand.” The article highlights how toxic team cultures can normalize abuse in pursuit of athletic success.
Athletes should not be required to sacrifice their mental health or physical safety to succeed or feel valued in their sport. Creating healthier club environments starts with holding organizations, coaches, and even parents accountable to prioritize their athletes’ well-being over constant winning. By raising awareness, we can help make sure that sports remain a positive space where athletes can learn and thrive.
