Youth sport has become increasingly competitive in recent years and decades. Young athletes are therefore exposed to increasing demands and pressure from coaches and parents.

But at what cost? Many young athletes just want to play and have fun with their friends, but too many quit the sport altogether due to burnout. In fact, 70% of kids quit sports before they’re even teenagers, largely due to burnout and injuries, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In a partnership with WKYC called “How to Win in Youth Sports (Without Going Broke or Collapsing)”, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer spoke with experts, coaches and families about the current situation and what we can do better to develop healthy, balanced players.

News3’s Maureen Kyle spoke with Dr. Gary Grosel, chief medical officer at United Healthcare of Ohio, about the increasing pressures on the lower levels of youth sports, how to reduce stress and anxiety in young athletes, and more.

“I think it’s the pressure that comes not only from the coaches, but also from the parents who sometimes put a lot of pressure on their own kids to make sure they’re doing their best,” Grosel says. “Sometimes as a parent you have to take a step back and realize, ‘These are kids and they’re young.'”

Watch News3’s full interview with Grosel on WKYC’s website.