This is far too pessimistic about team sports. The “brutalize themselves” really only applies to football, and I think it’s safe to say the vast majority of kids who play that (or any other sport) understand their chances at going pro (or even getting a scholarship) are slim.
There are also unambiguous benefits: learning how to handle defeat, learning to work with others in a stressful environment, finding fun ways of staying active, learning about nutrition and how to take care of your body in general.
Or how about team sports? Is this supposed to be different from some coach in Indiana getting kids in a line and having them do the same drill?
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This is far too pessimistic about team sports. The “brutalize themselves” really only applies to football, and I think it’s safe to say the vast majority of kids who play that (or any other sport) understand their chances at going pro (or even getting a scholarship) are slim.
There are also unambiguous benefits: learning how to handle defeat, learning to work with others in a stressful environment, finding fun ways of staying active, learning about nutrition and how to take care of your body in general.