Over the past several years, participation in team sports has dwindled, sports specialization at an earlier age has increased, and more emphasis has been placed on winning. A group of area parents and coaches will host a youth sports panel discussion on Monday, November 9, at the Erik B. Hanson Field House on the Peddie School campus in Hightstown.
This event features a presentation by Roman Oben, the National Football League’s director of youth and high school football. He is tasked with developing new programs to encourage participation in tackle and flag football.
Though his focus is on football, he is an advocate for youth sports enrichment. His presentation will address current athletic trends, sports specialization myths, injuries, and what parents should know.
“As a school that has a highly regarded rich history and tradition, I’m very excited to come to the Peddie community and discuss what we are doing at the NFL to insure safety in our sport best practices in youth sports as a whole,” says Oben.
Oben, a 12-year veteran, is a former offensive lineman with the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Diego Chargers. He was a member of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl team in 2003.
A graduate of Louisville University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he received a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Since his retirement from the NFL, Oben had a media career covering the Giants as well as serving as a panelist on several MSNBC shows discussing sports.
“When I speak to worried parents now, I tell them what my mom tells me,” he says. “Parents should let their children pursue their passions so that they can reach their fullest potential.”
Youth Sports Trends, East Windsor Hightstown Youth Sports Parent Group, Field House, Peddie School, Hightstown. Monday, November 9, 7 p.m. Register. $10. Free for area high school students and athletes. ewhyspg.wordpress.com.
