What are youth sports really for?

As families settle into the fall sports season, the American youth sports landscape feels like a thriving industry. Parents monitor league standings. Coaches talk about getting players exposure. Children juggle travel schedules that would challenge many business executives. Entire weekends disappear into tournaments, showcases, and long drives home. None of this is inherently troubling. Ambition has always been part of athletics. Parents naturally want opportunities for their children. Coaches…