Youth sports help develop Moody dependents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  There is one program that helps children learn to better socialize and increase their physical abilities while also achieving a sense of accomplishment.

The Moody Youth Sports Program is designed to develop these characteristics at an age where they can learn a lot about sports, which include winter basketball, spring baseball and T-ball, and fall and spring soccer. There is also dancing, but it is considered an instructional program.

"For the youth involved with our sports programs, we aren't interested in winning but how they develop as an individual," said Amy Thompson, 23rd Force Support Squadron Youth Center youth sports director. "We are more concerned about them learning the basic skills and just having fun rather than what the score was at the end of a game."

One parent whose son has been involved with soccer for the past two seasons has observed the benefits that participating in sports can have on a child.

"I got my 5-year-old son Logan involved in a sport because I knew it could help him develop his social skills, sportsmanlike conduct and ability to be a good teammate," said Master Sgt. Susan Smith, 23rd Wing command section superintendent. "It also gives him a good physical activity to participate in that gets him out of the house and improves his health and physical fitness."

Sergeant Smith also added that participating in a physical activity has also had a couple extra benefits for Logan.

"First, it has helped with the fact that he is on the autism spectrum and when it comes time to sit down and do homework or study, he can now focus better," she said. "Also, when my husband isn't deployed, it is a good way to encourage family time since we go out and kick the ball around with Logan."

In addition to the benefits of participating in sports, children can also learn a lot from having a coach with a positive attitude.

"I have been coaching for four years now and my favorite part is seeing the children having fun," said Airman 1st Class Chelsea Root, 23rd Communications Squadron airfield systems technician, who has been a coach for four years. "I don't remember ever being involved in a sport where I wasn't enjoying myself.

"It's only the beginning of the season, but I've already seen a lot of improvement in teamwork from my team," she added. "Coaching is great because it's very satisfying to know that you have taught a child something or improved their skills."

For more information about participating in sports, contact the Youth Center at 229-257-3067.