Matthew Lewis Labarre Encourages Families to Create Positive First Sports Experiences for Young Children

Matthew Lewis Labarre of Dover, New Hampshire, highlights why play-based movement can help children ages 3-5 build confidence, healthy habits, and a lifelong love of activity.

Dover, N.H, 25th March 2026, ZEX PR WIRE - Youth sports leader and coach Matthew Lewis Labarre is encouraging families to focus on one powerful idea when introducing young children to sports: make the first experience joyful.

Labarre, co-founder of Never Too Young FC in Dover, New Hampshire, works closely with children ages three to five. Through his work with families, he has seen how early experiences with movement can shape children's views of sports, confidence, and physical activity for years.

"At this age, it's not about competition," Labarre says. "It's about creating a joyful first experience with movement."

By focusing on playful activities rather than performance, young children develop coordination, social skills, and a sense of curiosity about movement.

Why Positive First Experiences Matter
Early childhood is a critical period for building healthy habits. Experts recommend that preschool-age children stay physically active throughout the day. Yet many children today spend more time sitting indoors than previous generations.

Encouraging playful movement early helps children develop basic motor skills and confidence in group settings.

"Kids don't need perfect technique," Labarre explains. "They need space to move, explore, and succeed at small things."

When the environment supports exploration, children are more likely to participate enthusiastically and develop positive habits.

The Opportunity for Families
Many parents want to introduce their children to sports, but are unsure where to start. Labarre believes the answer is simpler than many people expect.

Young children respond best to activities that feel like games rather than structured training. Running, balancing, kicking a ball, and exploring movement through imagination can be powerful learning tools.

"If a child leaves smiling, the session worked," Labarre says. "That's the real outcome at this age."

Programs that emphasize fun and encouragement can help children build both physical and social skills while also helping families connect with their communities.

A Growing Focus on Play-Based Activity
Across youth sports and early childhood education, there is increasing recognition that play-based movement supports long-term participation in physical activity.

Key insights from current research include:
The CDC recommends preschool-age children stay physically active throughout the day to support healthy development.
• Children who develop positive movement experiences early are significantly more likely to remain active as they grow older.
• Play-based group activities help build social skills, cooperation, and confidence in young children.
• Early exposure to movement can improve coordination, balance, and emotional resilience.

Labarre sees these benefits regularly in his programs.
"I've watched kids who were nervous to step on the field during their first session," he says. "A few weeks later, they're running toward the ball and cheering for their friends."

What Families Can Do Today
Parents do not need complicated training plans to support their children's development.

Simple daily movement activities can make a meaningful difference. Short games at the park, running challenges, or kicking a ball around the yard all help children become more familiar with movement.

Parents can also support positive experiences by encouraging effort instead of focusing on performance.

"Small wins matter," Labarre says. "When kids feel successful early, they want to keep trying."

These small moments of encouragement often build the foundation for long-term confidence.

Building Community Through Play
Play-based youth programs also create opportunities for families to connect with one another. Parents often meet other families at parks or sports sessions, forming relationships that extend beyond the field.

"Kids are learning how to exist in a group," Labarre says. "They're learning how to share space, cheer for each other, and try new things."

Those lessons extend beyond sports and support children's development in school and social environments.

A Positive Start That Can Last a Lifetime
For Labarre, the goal of early sports programs is not competition or early specialization. The goal is to help children discover that movement can be fun.

"Kids are naturally curious," he says. "If you give them a place where trying feels safe, they keep coming back."

That early sense of enjoyment can shape how children approach physical activity for years.

Call to Action
Families and caregivers are encouraged to introduce playful movement into their children's daily routines and to seek out programs that prioritize fun, exploration, and encouragement.

Share this message with other parents and caregivers. Helping young children build positive first experiences with movement can support healthier, more confident communities for years to come.

About Matthew Lewis Labarre
Matthew Lewis Labarre is a youth sports leader and co-founder of Never Too Young FC, a Dover, New Hampshire-based soccer program focused on children ages three to five. A former High School All-American soccer player and Dartmouth College men's soccer captain, he holds coaching licenses through USA Youth Soccer and Grassroots Soccer. He works closely with young children and families to create play-based sports experiences that build confidence, healthy movement habits, and strong community connections.

This release was published on openPR.