Documentary · Youth Sport
The Cost of WinningAn honest look at the impact of an outcome-driven focus on our youth sports system.
A passion project to help the community, The Cost of Winning is a 24-minute documentary that takes an honest look at the impact of an outcome-driven focus on our youth sports system. Drawing from a global perspective, this story connects with some of the most prestigious amateur and professional sports organizations in the world, including the United States Olympic Committee, Soccer Canada, Norway’s Ski Jumping Federation, Sport New Zealand, The Ohio State University, the PGA and the NHL relating to their take on creating quality sport experiences.
The Cost of Winning started as a community passion project – a question Atlee James and Matt Young kept coming back to: what is the outcome-driven culture in youth sports actually costing kids? Not in wins and losses, but in enjoyment, longevity, and love of the game. The documentary was produced and directed by Atlee James, with Matt Young producing, over a production period that spanned multiple countries and dozens of interviews.
The scope of the film set it apart from the beginning. Rather than staying local, we reached out to some of the most respected voices in amateur and professional sport: the United States Olympic Committee, Soccer Canada, Norway’s Ski Jumping Federation, Sport New Zealand, The Ohio State University, the PGA, and the NHL. Getting those organizations on camera meant building credibility with each one individually – the film had to demonstrate a serious, evidence-based approach before major institutions would agree to participate.
The edit was structured to build a case rather than deliver a verdict. The Cost of Winning doesn’t tell parents and coaches what to do – it gives them the information and perspectives to make better decisions themselves. That editorial stance is part of why the film has resonated so broadly, screening across North America and internationally, including as a featured presentation at the Olympic Organizing Committee of Lithuania’s Education Forum in 2019.
The hope is that everyone will see value in the sport experience long after we are done playing sports and passing it on to the next generation.
If we continue on the way we currently are on right now, the negative impact is we are going to lose medals, we are going to lose money and we are going to lose members.
One of the biggest changes has been the multi-sport athlete and maybe the death of the multi-sport athlete… can we reinstate the idea of seasons and the seasonality of sport?
Sport is supposed to be fun. Sport is supposed to be something you are passionate about and enjoy. It’s amazing to me that we have shifted it to work.
The Cost of Winning has screened across the globe at schools, sports organizations, coaching conferences, and community events since its release.
We would be grateful if you would let us know when you download so we can send a thank you. We also provide guidance on leading discussions after the viewing, as well as downloadable materials for your audience.
After a challenging hockey season, we watched the documentary with our 11-year-old son. At the end of the piece, he turned to us, visibly emotional and said, ‘Mom and Dad… it’s not just me. I am not alone.’
I saw the preview and you won’t want to miss this if you care about the development of sport in your community.
Excellent documentary. Great interviews, very impactful – redefines what we should do as parents!
March 21st 2019, The Cost of Winning was featured as part of the Olympic Organizing Committee of Lithuania’s Education Forum.
We are grateful to the following organizations for supporting this film. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
