Debunking 5 Myths About Sports for Kids Ages 3-5

Matthew Lewis Labarre explains what families often get wrong about early movement, confidence, and play.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Matthew Lewis Labarre, a youth sports leader and licensed coach from Dover, New Hampshire, is speaking out to clear up five common myths that mislead families with children ages three to five about early sports participation. Labarre explains why these myths are false and provides practical tips for creating joyful first experiences with movement and activity for young kids.

Why it matters

Many parents want their young children to be active, confident, and healthy, but misinformation about early sports often interferes. Labarre's goal is to help families understand that the purpose of sports for preschoolers is not about competition or perfect technique, but about building confidence, fostering community, and establishing a positive first relationship with physical activity.

The details

Labarre debunks five common myths about sports for kids ages 3-5: 1) Kids are too young for sports at this age, 2) Early sports should focus on skill and technique, 3) Competition is what motivates young kids, 4) Nutrition is too complicated to teach preschoolers, and 5) Sports are only about physical activity. He explains why people believe these myths and provides practical tips for parents, such as starting with simple play-based sessions, celebrating effort over outcomes, using everyday moments to teach nutrition awareness, and looking for programs that include group activities to build social skills.

  • Matthew Lewis Labarre shared these insights in February 2026.

The players

Matthew Lewis Labarre

A youth sports leader and co-founder of Never Too Young FC in Dover, New Hampshire. A former High School All-American soccer player and Dartmouth College men's soccer captain, he holds all required coaching licenses through USA Youth Soccer and Grassroots Soccer, and works closely with young children and families to create play-based sports experiences.

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What they’re saying

“At this age, it's not about competition. It's about creating a joyful first experience with movement.”

— Matthew Lewis Labarre, Youth Sports Leader (worldsharemarketlive.com)

“If a child leaves smiling, we did our job. That's success at this age.”

— Matthew Lewis Labarre, Youth Sports Leader (worldsharemarketlive.com)

“We're not teaching diets. We're teaching awareness. Kids learn that food helps them play and feel good.”

— Matthew Lewis Labarre, Youth Sports Leader (worldsharemarketlive.com)

“Kids are learning how to exist in a group. That skill is just as important as kicking a ball.”

— Matthew Lewis Labarre, Youth Sports Leader (worldsharemarketlive.com)

“When kids enjoy how their bodies move early on, that feeling stays with them.”

— Matthew Lewis Labarre, Youth Sports Leader (worldsharemarketlive.com)

What’s next

Families can help young children thrive by letting go of these myths and focusing on joyful play. Sharing this myth list with another parent, coach, or caregiver and trying just one tip today can build healthy habits for life.

The takeaway

Early sports for ages 3-5 are not about creating champions, but about creating happy movers. The goal is to build confidence, foster community, and establish a positive first relationship with physical activity, not competition or perfect technique.