Youth baseball programs are one of the oldest sporting options available to kids. The traditional organizations such as Little League Baseball are essentially recreational leagues that provide playing time to all players. While coaches and parents can get caught up in the competitive aspects of the game even at this level, those organizations have all-star play that provides a competitive level for the elite players in the league. There are also organized competitive baseball leagues in almost every city, where the most skilled players go for a higher level of competition. These teams are often called travel teams, as they play in regional and national tournaments and usually stay together all year long.
Most cities have recreational basketball offerings that introduce youngsters to the game of basketball and provide a more laid-back approach to the game, but as players progress towards the high school programs, the elite players migrate to programs such as AAU basketball, where teams are assembled and stay together to train and compete at a high level. These competitive teams usually travel a lot and play in tournaments where college scouts are present. Winning is a high priority for these teams; playing time is not guaranteed but has to be earned.
Football is one of the few sports left in which everything is geared toward the high school team. Even at younger ages, the sport is competitive, and while there are flag football offerings for those who play just for the pure enjoyment, tackle football is by its very nature a competitive sport.
Football requires a significant time and financial commitment, but it teaches discipline and teamwork to those who fulfill that commitment.
Youth soccer is one of the most structured youth sports programs in the United States. Whether it is under the banner of the American Youth Soccer Organization or under the U.S. Youth Soccer Association, there are recreational level youth leagues everywhere, and thousands of kids participate. For the more committed and talented players, USYSA is structured with a select level and a competitive level with increasing costs and commitment levels as players move up. The most talented players participate in the Olympic Development Program, which has regional teams feeding the U.S. National Team. Because there are so many levels, kids are able to find the one that best suits their interest and skills.