How Sports Can Build Kindness—Not Just Toughness

We all want our kids to be strong. To be confident. To face life’s challenges with bravery and courage. But what if true strength isn’t just about being tough? What if sports could actually teach our kids how to be kind too?

That’s the heart of why we have set out raise healthy competitors in this world—and why we want to help you do the same.

Why Kindness in Sports Matters:

It teaches kids to value people over performance.

Wins are great—but relationships are what last. When kids learn how to encourage teammates, include others, and be gracious whether they win or lose, they develop a type of character that outlasts a scoreboard.

It gives kids a safe place to grow.

When kids feel safe being themselves—nervous, shy, excited, unsure—they can truly learn. Kindness in sports helps create that safe environment so kids can take risks, make mistakes, and keep growing.

It models real leadership.

The best leaders aren’t just the loudest or most talented. They’re the ones who bring others along with them. Teaching kids to be kind and aware of others in a competitive space lays the groundwork for future leadership that is both strong and good.

It reminds kids that winning isn’t the only goal.

Yes, competition is a good thing! But when winning becomes everything, we lose the heart of what makes sports meaningful. Kindness shifts the focus from "beat everyone else" to "be the best version of yourself and help others do the same."

A Culture Shift at Kuyper Sports:

We intentionally build our camps to promote kindness—through our coaches, our activities, and the way we talk about effort and growth. Kids are encouraged to compete, and to cheer others on. To work hard, and to treat everyone with respect.

Because when a kid learns they can be courageous, resilient, and kind all at the same time, we believe they can go further in their potential than they ever could without learning this.

Explore our summer camps designed for both fun and growth.
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