The YMCA of Greater Brandywine – in conjunction with Director Chris Logan Harley and Uptown! Entertainment Alliance – is putting together a series of videos entitled “Don’t Spoil the Fun!” to highlight the importance of keeping fun in youth sports leagues so that kids of all ages want to keep playing for life.

A report by the Aspen Institute indicated that many kids drop out of sports simply because it’s not fun anymore. This video series will highlight how some parents – through negative behavior and by placing too much of an emphasis on competition and winning – often have an adverse impact on their child’s sports experiences.

“It has been a great partnership with Uptown! and the Y,” said Tim Conway, Creative Services Director at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “YMCA sports leagues exist to help kids develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, good sportsmanship, responsibility, and more, while having fun, learning new skills and being with their friends.

“And it was heartwarming to see such a varied group come together to share in our passion and bring these stories to life.”

Harley shares that belief in the project, so much so that he worked at a reduced rate.

“Team sports are not only a great way for kids to learn about themselves and work with others; it provides values and lessons that will go a long way into their adult life,” he said. “Fun should always be the focus. Competition and everything else will follow if you are having fun, and I think we are getting that message across in these videos.”

The total team effort includes the actors from Uptown! Entertainment Alliance and community members who volunteered their time.

Lara Connolly, the mother of two of the child actors from Uptown! Entertainment Alliance, was honored to have her children be a part of the shoot.

“In a society where the focus is on how to make our children the best of the best in a variety of activities, it is comforting to know that a pillar of our community continues to keep steadfast to their mission of keeping children and families first,” she said.

The videos will debut in January. Click here to learn more about sports leagues at the YMCA.

As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, VISTA.Today may use affiliate marketing links and receive a commission based upon sales made from them.