Sports can play an enriching part in a child’s life. Whether through team work or individuality, participation in athletic activities can help children develop a sense of self-esteem and commitment, traits that can prove invaluable as they enter adulthood. Yet, for many children, the pressures of athleticism and competition obscure the benefits. This comprehensive edition presents readers with a series of fifteen essays and articles on the topic of child athletes, weighing the pros and cons of participation in sports. Subjects include: health risks, the role of winning in sports, the expense of sports, building self-esteem, and the relationship between sports and academia.