Youth Inc. Recommends: How to Develop Empathy

Empathy is one of the most important qualities youth sports can help instill. Beyond the scores and the stats, sports offer countless chances for kids to step into someone else's shoes—whether it's a teammate who missed the game-winning shot or an opponent dealing with an injury. These moments are an important part of growing up and learning to care for others.  

But like any skill, empathy needs to be modeled, encouraged, and developed. Coaches and parents play a crucial role in creating environments where compassion and understanding are just as valued as hustle and grit.  

Here are five pieces of content that will help you teach a young athlete to develop empathy through sports. 

When Empathy and Second Chances Pay Off.  

What it is: Written by a college baseball coach, this is an article that brings second chances to the forefront by laying out a few real-life examples of how one act of empathy can bring about a vital change in a young athlete’s path.  

Why we like it: Empathy can be present in a lot of ways, but arguably none more so than in second chances. A coach allowing a player to learn from a mistake is the cornerstone of life skill building in youth sports, and it’s worth an occasional reminder that the belief in someone can matter so significantly at a young age. 

Why Having an Empathetic Leader is So Important to Team Culture.  

What it is: In this article, sports psychologist Eddie O’Connor outlines what it means to be an empathetic leader and why it is such an effective leadership strategy. It details specific steps you can take toward becoming a more empathetic leader, as well as real-life scenarios and strategies on how to implement. 

Why we like it: This is a detailed breakdown of not only why the empathetic leadership strategy matters so much, but also how anyone can achieve it. There are very specific instances listed, like how and what to say to support a teammate after a poor performance.

Put Yourself in Their Cleats  

What it is: US Club Soccer published an article that outlines how youth sports coaches, parents and athletes can put themselves in a position to show empathy towards teammates, coaches, referees and more.  

Why we like it: While detailing the major traits and characteristics of competitors that display empathy, this article also breaks into three distinct sections that outline how to best treat referees, coaches and other competitors with respect.

Empathy in Action  

What it is: Nebraska Huskers women’s volleyball outside hitter Harper Murray has turned her life around within a year. This story outlines her rise from DUI and shoplifting charges following an NCAA Tournament loss, to her redemption story and on-court success due in large part to the empathy her teammates showed her. 

Why we like it: This is a great account of how showing grace and empathy to someone on your team can lead to growth and redemption. Empathy at its finest and a very easy read. 

4 Ways To Be an Empathetic Athlete  

What it is: A short article by Leon Mckenzie discussing how to help those in your life (and on your team) that are struggling, encouraging young athletes to run towards the problem instead of hiding from it. 

Why ee like it: This article incorporates the idea of spirituality and mindfulness in a way that may help a young athlete better understand how to develop empathy through self-belief and stillness of mind, which is a unique approach to growth.