01/13/2026
Ever wonder why a sport that was once a passion starts to feel like a chore? A recent study published in the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology offers some powerful insights.
Researchers explored why adolescent athletes leave sports and found it’s a gradual process they call "Losing Fun." It begins when the demands of sport or life change, leading athletes to question if their participation is still meaningful.
When the sport becomes tied to negative feelings like anxiety, pressure, or guilt, and no longer feels purposeful, athletes are likely to drop out.
The big takeaway? Fun is ultimately about feeling like your effort is meaningful and that the emotional experience is positive.
For both athletes and parents, the key is to stay connected to the "why." Keep the lines of communication open, align the experience with personal goals, and remember that it’s okay for your relationship with sport to evolve.
What helps you keep your sport fun and meaningful? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Reference: Back, J., Carlsson, I.-M., Hedström, P., Johnson, U., Svedberg, P., & Ivarsson, A. (2025). Losing fun: adolescents’ experiences of participating and dropping out of team sports. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.