A new survey by Allianz Australia has revealed that one third of Australian teenagers have asked their parents to stop playing out-of-school sport. One quarter of teens have decided to stop playing by age 15, citing lack of time, environments that are too competitive and lost interest. Sydney teenager Millie Hole gave up swimming at 15 when it became too serious.
“It does get harder when it gets so competitive,” says the now 17-year-old. Teens are dropping out of sport for reasons including an overly competitive environment. But despite giving up competitive swimming, Hole says playing basketball and touch football in social teams with friends feels different.
“It makes you want to go and play even if you’re not good at it,” she says. The year 12 student also goes to athletics training, despite not competing, to improve her overall fitness. Dr Emma Steer, a clinical psychologist at the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne says when the sporting environment shifts from “fun” to “serious”, many young people feel left behind.
“Sport is for everyone, and we need to make sure it is accessible for everyone,” says Steer. “It needs to be fun and social. It’s not all about winning and being competitive, it’s about being out and moving your body and having a great time.
” For Paralympic gold medallist Madison de Rozario, the competition is her least favourite part of sport. ‘It’s very difficult for young girls to stay in sport when you have .
