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Why Supporting Youth Sports Has Never Mattered More
8 Mins Read
Last updated on June 30, 2026
Supporting youth sports helps children build confidence, resilience, healthy habits, and social connections that can last a lifetime. As youth sports participation and physical activity levels continue to decline in many countries, organizations, families, schools, and community programs play an increasingly important role in helping children stay active. Finnish hurdler Mila Heikkonen's story highlights how access to sport, encouragement, and a strong support network can shape a young person's future.
How Declining Activity Levels Sparked a National Movement
In many countries around the world, children and teens are spending less time being physically active than previous generations. Finland faces similar challenges, making it increasingly important to encourage active lifestyles from an early age. In response, the Finnish Athletics Federation (Suomen Urheiluliitto, SUL) launched an initiative in 2026 aimed at improving wellbeing through physical activity. Supported by several Finnish companies and foundations, including ACON, the initiative focuses on helping children and teens stay active, promoting healthy habits, and making sports and recreational activities more accessible to families. Finnish hurdler Mila Heikkonen serves as the initiative’s athlete ambassador. Her story demonstrates how the joy of movement, a supportive community, and the opportunity to participate in sports can positively influence a young person's future.
For many children, sports provide a first opportunity to discover the joy of movement. Running, jumping, and throwing help build fundamental physical skills while encouraging children to challenge themselves, gain confidence, and experience the satisfaction of learning something new. Just as importantly, active hobbies often lay the foundation for healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
For Finnish hurdler Mila Heikkonen, that journey began at the age of six when her parents took her to her first athletics practice. What started as a childhood hobby gradually developed into a competitive athletic career, taking her from national youth championships in Finland to international competitions. Her story is a reminder of the impact that physical activity, supportive adults, and accessible sports opportunities can have on a young person's life.
These are the same values that inspired ACON to support the Finnish Athletics Federation's initiative. At ACON, we believe that helping children and teens stay active and creating opportunities for families to spend time together through movement are important parts of building healthier communities. For us, a trampoline is more than sports equipment. It is a place where children can develop confidence, express themselves, stay active, and create lasting memories with friends and family.
We spoke with Heikkonen about what sports have taught her throughout her journey and why supporting physical activity for children and young people matters more than ever.
Image: Elias Laurell
From First Practice to National Champion: Mila Heikkonen's Story
Many successful youth athletes begin their journey with the support of family, coaches, and local sports communities.
When we watch major competitions or read about athletic achievements, it is easy to forget that every success story begins with small moments. A first practice, learning a new skill, or discovering the simple joy of being active.
For Mila Heikkonen, that journey began at the age of six when her parents took her to athletics practice for the first time. She immediately fell in love with the sport, although serious training came later. One of her earliest standout memories came at the national championships for 14-year-old athletes, where she won gold medals in both the 300-meter hurdles and the 80-meter hurdles.
According to Heikkonen, those national titles felt like major achievements at the time and gave her even more motivation to continue developing as an athlete.
Over the years, she has also competed in several international youth competitions across Europe. These experiences have allowed her to test herself against top athletes, gain valuable experience, and continue growing both on and off the track. Competition has always been one of the aspects of athletics she enjoys most.
"I've always enjoyed competing, challenging myself, and putting myself in situations that push me outside my comfort zone," she says.
Behind every athlete's success, however, is a support system. Heikkonen credits her family as her biggest source of support from the very beginning. They made it possible for her to train, compete, and pursue her goals by investing their time, energy, and encouragement throughout the years.
"My family has been my biggest supporter because they've driven me to practices, helped cover expenses, and always encouraged me."
Along the way, coaches have also played an important role, and over time her support network has grown to include physiotherapists, medical professionals, and other experts.
For many children and young people, the path into sports looks very similar. Parents, coaches, volunteers, and community organizations all play a role in creating opportunities for children to stay active, learn new skills, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
Image: Jonsofin
The Real Lessons Sport Teaches Aren't About Winning
Participating in youth sports helps children develop confidence, resilience, focus, and healthy habits that support success both on and off the field.
While sports are often associated with competition and results, some of the most important lessons happen away from the scoreboard. According to Heikkonen, one of the biggest things sports have taught her is perseverance. Achieving meaningful goals takes time, commitment, and the ability to keep moving forward even when progress feels slow.
Sports have also taught her how to handle setbacks. Not every competition leads to a personal best, and not every training session feels successful. In many cases, the most valuable growth comes from overcoming challenges and learning how to respond when things do not go as planned.
"Sports have taught me a lot about disappointment and adversity. If you don't give your best effort and aren't willing to try, it's difficult to achieve your goals."
Through athletics, Heikkonen has also gained a deeper understanding of recovery and overall wellbeing. She has learned how important sleep, rest, and proper nutrition are, not only for athletic performance but also for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. These healthy habits support both athletic success and long-term physical development.
These lessons benefit children whether or not they continue into competitive sports. Physical activity helps build confidence, improve focus, and develop resilience that extends far beyond sports. The habits and skills learned through movement often support success in school, relationships, work, and everyday life.
| Skill | Real-Life Benefit |
|---|---|
| Perseverance | Working toward long-term goals |
| Resilience | Recovering from setbacks and challenges |
| Confidence | Trying new experiences and taking initiative |
| Focus | Improving learning and concentration |
| Healthy habits | Supporting long-term physical and mental wellbeing |
Why Variety and Access Matter for Getting Kids Moving
Giving children access to a variety of sports and activities increases the likelihood that they will find enjoyable ways to stay active throughout their lives.
In many countries, concerns about declining physical activity among children and teens have sparked important conversations about how to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. According to Heikkonen, one of the simplest ways to support young people is to create more opportunities for outdoor play, movement, and everyday physical activity.
She believes it is especially important for children to have the chance to try a variety of activities and sports. Schools, physical education programs, community initiatives, and local sports organizations all play an important role in helping children discover what they enjoy. The more opportunities children have to explore different activities, the more likely they are to find forms of movement that feel fun, engaging, and rewarding.
"I think children should be encouraged to try as many different activities as possible and be given opportunities to discover new sports and ways to move."
Heikkonen also highlights the value of sports clubs and community organizations. In addition to providing opportunities to be active, they help create a sense of belonging and connect children with positive role models and supportive adults. Recreational programs, local events, and beginner-friendly activities can also help introduce movement to children who may not yet have found an activity they enjoy.
Her message to parents is simple: if a child enjoys a particular activity, encourage it.
"It doesn't matter what the activity is. If a child enjoys being active, that's what matters."
According to Heikkonen, the goal should not be to focus on competition or performance at an early age. Instead, children should be given opportunities to discover activities that make them feel confident, capable, and excited to keep moving.
Athletics is a good example of a versatile sport because it allows children to run, jump, and throw while developing a broad range of physical skills. While many events are individual, team competitions such as relays also help young athletes build teamwork, communication, and a sense of shared achievement.
The joy of movement rarely comes from pressure. More often, it grows through positive experiences, spending time with friends, building new skills, and finding activities that feel genuinely enjoyable.
Image: SFI Friidrott
ACON's Commitment to Making Movement Joyful and Accessible
Supporting youth sports requires collaboration between families, schools, sports organizations, athletes, businesses, and local communities.
"The joy of movement has been at the heart of ACON from the very beginning. Supporting the Finnish Athletics Federation's initiative was a natural fit because we share the same belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle," says Riia Huttunen, Digital Marketing & Sales Director at ACON.
The initiative is built on the idea that encouraging physical activity is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, sports organizations, athletes, businesses, and local communities all have a role to play in creating opportunities for children and young people to stay active.
According to Heikkonen, supporting youth sports and community programs is especially important today. Access to sports and recreational activities should be available to as many children as possible, regardless of their background or circumstances. Community organizations and sports clubs help make that possible by creating welcoming environments, keeping participation accessible, and introducing more children to the benefits of movement.
"Supporting sports clubs and youth programs helps create opportunities for more children to get involved and stay active."
Support for sports clubs can also help keep participation costs manageable, making it easier for more families to access youth sports opportunities.
At the same time, these opportunities can help young athletes continue developing their skills and pursuing their goals. Whether a child participates for fun, fitness, friendship, or competition, access to supportive environments can make a lasting difference.
For ACON, supporting the Finnish Athletics Federation's initiative is ultimately about promoting active lifestyles and helping more children discover the joy of movement. We believe a positive relationship with physical activity begins early in life. Every game played outdoors, every new skill learned, and every moment of confidence gained through movement can help build habits that last well into adulthood.
When children have the opportunity to enjoy being active, the benefits extend far beyond childhood. That is why supporting physical activity for children and young people matters more than ever.
Youth Sports FAQ
What age should children start organized sports?
There is no single right age to start organized sports. Many children begin with introductory programs between ages 4 and 7, but readiness depends on the child's interests, attention span, and physical development. The most important goal is to make movement enjoyable and age-appropriate rather than focusing on competition or performance.
How much physical activity do children need each day?
Health experts generally recommend that children and teens get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This can include organized sports, active play, outdoor activities, walking, cycling, jumping, or other forms of movement that keep children active and engaged.
What are the signs a child is losing interest in physical activity?
A child may be losing interest if they frequently avoid activities they once enjoyed, seem unmotivated to participate, or express frustration and boredom around sports and exercise. Changes in interests are normal, and parents can help by introducing new activities, reducing pressure, and focusing on fun rather than performance.
How can parents encourage an inactive child to move more without pressure?
The best approach is to make movement enjoyable and part of everyday life. Family walks, outdoor games, trampoline activities, cycling, or trying new sports together can help children build positive associations with physical activity. For many families, trampolines for kids can provide a fun way to encourage outdoor play while helping children stay active and build confidence.
What's the difference between free play and organized sport for child development?
Both free play and organized sports offer valuable benefits. Free play encourages creativity, independence, and problem-solving, while organized sports help children develop teamwork, discipline, and sport-specific skills. A healthy balance of both can support a child's physical, social, and emotional development.
Why is youth sports participation important?
Youth sports participation helps children build confidence, resilience, social skills, and healthy habits that can last a lifetime. In addition to supporting physical health, sports can improve focus, encourage teamwork, and provide opportunities to form meaningful friendships and connections within the community.
Are trampoline sports a good activity for children?
When used safely and with appropriate supervision, trampoline sports can be a fun way for children to develop balance, coordination, body awareness, and confidence. Trampolines also encourage active outdoor play and can help children enjoy movement in a way that feels engaging and rewarding.
