Sports Sampling Camp 2025
Join us this summer for a free, action-packed week of sports, fun, and discovery at the Rainier Beach Playfield & Community Center! From July 21–25, 2025, kids ages 7–13 will get the chance to try basketball, soccer, football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, tennis, rowing, and more—guided by local pro teams like the Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, Storm, Kraken as well as Coalition members such as First Tee, Upower, and Seattle Tennis & Education Foundation.
This camp celebrates play, teamwork, and well-rounded development while pushing back against the pressure to specialize too soon. Explore new sports, make friends, and just have fun—all for free!
Let’s level the field, one game at a time.
Ages: 7-13
Time: 9am-3pm
Date: July 21-25
Location: Rainier Beach Community Center & Playfield
Address: 4707 S Cloverdale St, Seattle, WA 98118
Presented by the Seattle Pro Sports Teams, King County Play Equity Coalition, and the Seattle Sports Sports Commission!
Get the chance to try all 12 of the following sports and activities!
and more…
UPOWER Providing Field Games
First Tee Providing Golf
Seattle Tennis & Education Foundation Providing Tennis
George Pocock Rowing Foundation Providing Dryland Rowing
Bridges United Foundation Providing Soccer
FAQs
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A lot of kids are encouraged to focus on one sport from a very young age, this is often called “over-specialization”. Research shows that this leads to mental, and physical health consequences. Sports sampling, or trying a lot of different sports, helps kids’ brain development, athletic skills, and mental health. Read more about the risks of over-specialization below.
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Yes. Space is limited and to ensure that we are able to provide the appropriate amount of equipment, volunteers, and other resources, registration is required and must be submitted by July 16th, 2025 (or until spots are filled). No walk-ups or day-of registrations allowed.
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Anyone ages 7-13 is welcome, registration is first come first serve so register soon!
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All sporting equipment will be provided. Campers should come dressed ready for athletic activity, and bring:
A packed lunch Monday-Thursday. A free lunch will be provided for all campers on Friday.
Refillable water bottle. Water stations will be provided.
Sunscreen (or apply prior to camp starting)
Any required medications (e.g. inhaler, etc)
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Allergies, accommodations, and other notices can be disclosed in the registration form. With specific concerns or questions, contact Tracy Myers (tracy@kcplayequity.org).
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Participants’ safety is our number one priority. All camp instructors have received SafeSport or equivalent training. Any volunteers that will have supervision of campers will have been background checked, and there will be a first aid station on-site.
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This year’s Sports Sampling Camp will feature a wide variety of sessions, including soccer, football, baseball, ultimate frisbee, tennis, rowing, hockey, golf, rugby, and more!
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No experience is necessary! The camp is beginner-friendly and designed to be fun and educational for all skill levels.
Downsides of early specialization
Increased risk of overuse injuries:
The developing bodies of young athletes need well-rounded training and proper rest and recovery time.
Sports specialization puts excess strain on certain parts of the body, making specialized athletes 2x more likely to experience Injuries than their peers (AOSSM).
Quick Burnout
Athletes that specialize too early are more likely to experience Intense burnout as a response to chronic stress.
This can be due to emotional exhaustion, lack of quality sleep, and poor social relationships (NIH).
“I think people specialize at an early age and I’m personally not a big fan of that. I have preached to my children that I think you need to play different sports because it develops your brain.”
Lack of full development:
When young athletes are pushed to specialize In hopes of future elite status, they miss out on other areas of development, which has negative long-term Impacts.
They may end up lacking social-emotional, cognitive, and certain physical skills.
Greater stress levels:
The long hours dedicated to sport specialization can present unique stressors, Including social isolation and pressure to be perfect.
These factors affect athletes’ mental health, making them more prone to disorders like anxiety and depression (NIH).