Why Inclusion Is the Most Important Win in Youth Wrestling
When people think about youth wrestling, they often focus on wins, losses, medals, and podium photos. But the most important thing wrestling can give a young athlete has nothing to do with their record.
It’s inclusion.
Youth wrestling is one of the few sports where every body type, background, personality, and experience level has a place. That makes it uniquely powerful — and uniquely responsible — when it comes to creating environments where kids feel they belong.
Inclusion Keeps Kids in the Sport
Across youth sports, dropout rates are alarming. Many kids don’t quit because they “don’t like sports.” They quit because they don’t feel welcome.
Wrestling has the opportunity to be different.
When programs prioritize inclusion — beginners alongside veterans, late starters alongside early bloomers, boys and girls training together with respect — athletes stay longer. They improve more. And most importantly, they learn that growth matters more than instant success.
A child who feels included today is far more likely to still be wrestling five years from now.
Inclusion Builds Confidence That Lasts
Wrestling is an individual sport, but it should never feel isolating.
Inclusive wrestling rooms teach young athletes:
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You don’t need to look a certain way to belong
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You don’t need to win immediately to matter
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You don’t need to be loud or outgoing to be valued
When kids are accepted for who they are, confidence follows. Not artificial confidence — real confidence earned through effort, support, and consistency.
That confidence shows up in the classroom, in friendships, and later in the workplace.
Inclusion Is Especially Important for Girls Wrestling
Girls wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, but growth alone isn’t enough.
True inclusion means:
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Equal access to coaching and resources
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Training environments built on respect
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Leadership roles for female athletes
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Culture that celebrates development, not comparison
When girls feel truly included, they don’t just participate — they lead.
Coaches Set the Tone
Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It starts at the top.
Coaches who prioritize inclusion:
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Praise effort, not just outcomes
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Develop every athlete, not just the top few
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Create rooms where mistakes are part of learning
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Hold everyone to the same standard of respect
Young wrestlers remember how a coach made them feel long after they forget scores or brackets.
The Real Purpose of Youth Wrestling
Youth wrestling isn’t about creating champions at age eight.
It’s about creating:
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Resilient young people
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Confident leaders
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Accountable teammates
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Individuals who know they belong
Inclusion isn’t a “nice to have” in youth wrestling.
It’s the foundation that allows everything else to work.
If we get inclusion right, the wins will follow — on and off the mat.
