Clipping with Kindness: How young athletes are spreading positive vibes at sports tournaments

The clipping trend at youth sport tournaments involves kids “clip” other players with clothespins that have words of encouragement, compliments or jokes on them. The messages range from “you got this” to “slay!” The clothespins are discretely attached to hair, backpacks and hats. The trend started at volleyball tournaments and has since spread to other sports like soccer, lacrosse and softball.

Clipping shifts the idea that sports are all about competition, performance, and winning. Instead, it focuses on character, sportsmanship, and raising kids to be kind and good people. It gives athletes the opportunity to spread and receive positivity while connecting with other teams.

And nothing beats that feeling when someone clipped you!

Tournaments are increasingly supporting the movement, hosting pop-ups where athletes can design clothespins. Check out USA Lacrosse’s article about clipping. As this trend continues to grow, we hope athletes embrace both the fun and meaningful connections it creates.