Have youth sports become too intense? Absolutely

A few months back, I was contacted by an editor at The New York Times Upfront, a news magazine for teens, and asked to write a short piece on the subject: Have Youth Sports Become Too Intense?

I said yes. Yes, I'd do it. And yes, youth sports have become too intense.

My commentary was paired with an opposing viewpoint from a coach with the Chicago Magic, one of the country's elite soccer clubs. I spent an afternoon at a Magic practice outside Chicago when I was writing Until It Hurts. Highly skilled players. Highly motivated parents.

Here's the "Debate."