Matthew Lewis Labarre Calls for Earlier Access to Youth Sports for Ages 3-5

Matthew Lewis Labarre, based in Dover, New Hampshire, urges families and communities to rethink when healthy movement, confidence, and play should begin.

DOVER, NH / ACCESS Newswire / February 18, 2026 /Matthew Lewis Labarre, youth sports founder and licensed soccer coach, is raising awareness around the importance of structured, play-based sports programs for children ages three to five. Drawing on years of hands-on coaching and program development, Labarre is advocating for earlier, more inclusive access to movement, nutrition education, and community-centered play for young children who are often excluded from traditional sports due to age.

"At this age, it 's not about competition, " said Labarre. "It 's about creating a joyful first experience with movement. When kids enjoy how their bodies move early on, that feeling stays with them. "

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages three to five should be physically active throughout the day to support healthy growth and development. Yet studies show that many preschool-aged children do not meet recommended activity levels, with sedentary time increasing year over year. Early movement habits are closely linked to long-term physical activity, confidence, and social development.

Labarre has seen the impact firsthand. "I 've watched kids who wouldn 't step onto the field during their first session end up leading warmups a few weeks later, " he said. "That change doesn 't come from pressure. It comes from feeling safe, included, and capable. "

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that positive early experiences with physical activity increase the likelihood of continued participation later in life. Children who engage in regular movement before age five also show improved balance, coordination, listening skills, and emotional regulation.

Beyond physical benefits, early sports programs support social growth. Group play helps children practice taking turns, following simple instructions, and communicating with peers. These skills often carry over into school and home settings.

"Kids are learning how to be part of a group, " Labarre said. "They 're learning that it 's okay to try, miss, fall, and try again. Those lessons matter far beyond the field. "

Labarre also emphasizes the role of simple nutrition education in early sports settings. Rather than focusing on rules or restrictions, he encourages age-appropriate conversations around energy, hydration, and feeling good while moving.

"We talk about why we take water breaks, " he said. "We talk about snacks that help you run longer. Kids understand more than we give them credit for. "

Early sports programs can also strengthen communities. Parents meet other families at similar life stages, creating informal support networks. Local parks and shared spaces become hubs for connection.

"When families feel welcome, they come back, " Labarre said. "Community grows when people feel they belong. "

What Families and Communities Can Do

Labarre encourages parents, caregivers, and community leaders to take simple steps on their own:

• Choose play-based programs that prioritize fun over performance

• Look for coaches trained in early childhood development

• Encourage daily movement through games, not drills

• Talk with young children about food and energy in simple terms

• Advocate for age-inclusive programs in local parks and schools

"Kids don 't need perfect technique, " Labarre added. "They need space to move, explore, and succeed at small things. "

By shifting expectations and lowering barriers, communities can help children build healthy habits earlier, setting the stage for lifelong confidence and movement.

About Matthew Lewis Labarre

Matthew Lewis Labarre is a youth sports leader and co-founder of Never Too Young FC, a soccer program based in Dover, New Hampshire, serving children ages three to five. A former High School All-American soccer player, he also earned All-State honors in basketball and baseball before captaining the men 's soccer team at Dartmouth College, where he studied sociology. He holds all required coaching licenses through USA Youth Soccer and Grassroots Soccer and works hands-on with young children and families to create play-based sports experiences that build confidence, healthy movement habits, and a strong sense of community.

Media Contact

Matthew Lewis Labarre
https://www.nevertooyoungfc.com/
mlabarre04@gmail.com

SOURCE:Matthew Lewis Labarre

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