Children are often introduced to sport by their parents.

Reasons why parents trigger their child’s involvement in sport vary. Some may want their child to be physically active and give opportunities for their child to socialise.

Others may remember their own sport engagement fondly, and hope for their child to follow their sporting success.

Nothing wrong with that, if the child remains curious and shows enjoyment from their participation in sport. The big issue is whether undue pressure is exerted at an early age to specialise in any sport.

Early specialisation versus early diversification is a polarising debate in sports.

You cannot simply say that any one of them is wrong and the other is right. Research is very mixed.

Continue reading this article on SportsDesk, the sports website of the Times of Malta

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