How to Know If Your Young Athlete is Ready for a Travel Team
Joining a travel sports team can be a great opportunity for young athletes! Designed for the most talented and dedicated players, these elite teams travel far and wide to compete in games and tournaments with the best of the best. While playing on a travel team can be an amazing experience, it is also a significant commitment for young athletes and their families. As you decide whether travel sports are right for your child, be sure to keep the following factors in mind.
6 Youth Sports Apps and Websites That Your Team Will Love
The digital revolution is transforming the world of youth sports. Whether you’re looking to save time on team management activities, connect with fans, or improve your training, there is an app for that! To help you navigate all of the new products out there, Rocky Top Sports World has put together a guide to six of the best youth sports apps and websites.
7 Traits That Make Student-Athletes Great Leaders
It is no coincidence that a large percentage of CEOs and elected officials were athletes in their youth! As many business and political leaders will tell you, they started to develop the skills that have served them well throughout their careers when they were student-athletes. Here at Rocky Top Sports World, we have seen first hand how playing sports brings out the best in kids and young adults. Read on to learn the top seven traits that make student-athletes great leaders.
5 of the Best Places to Get Dessert in Gatlinburg
Here at Rocky Top Sports World, we are big proponents of healthy eating. However, we also recognize that it’s important to reward yourself with a treat now and again! Our sports complex is located just a short drive away from a number of restaurants that serve mouthwatering sweets. After your big game at Rocky Top, we recommend getting dessert in Gatlinburg at one of the following eateries.
Top 3 Places to See Smoky Mountain Wildlife When You Visit Gatlinburg
No trip to Gatlinburg, TN is complete without seeing some of the area’s signature wildlife! When you’re in town for a tournament or event at Rocky Top Sports World, you will definitely want to venture into the Great Smoky Mountains to catch a glimpse of the national park’s beautiful animals. To help you make the most of your time in Gatlinburg, we have put together a handy guide to the top three places for viewing Smoky Mountain wildlife.
Top 5 Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives to Take During Your Visit to Gatlinburg
Located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN is home to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world! When you’re in town for a tournament or event at Rocky Top Sports World, you will definitely want to soak up some of Gatlinburg’s magnificent scenery with a drive through the mountains. To help you make the most of your time in Gatlinburg, we have put together a handy guide to the top five Smoky Mountain scenic drives.
Top 5 Restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for a Quick Meal
When you’re in town for a tournament at Rocky Top Sports World, you’ll definitely want to try some of the wonderful restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! With everything from traditional Southern eateries to pizza joints, you’re guaranteed to find a restaurant that you love in the Smoky Mountains.
12 Life Lessons from Legendary Basketball Coach Pat Summitt
As the longtime basketball coach for the University of Tennessee’s Lady Volunteers, Pat Summitt became an icon in the world of college sports. Racking up 1,098 career wins, 16 SEC titles, and 8 National Championships, Summitt remains the winningest coach in men’s and women’s NCAA basketball history.
5 Tips for Beating Pre-Game Jitters
If you tend to get nervous before playing in a big game, you’re not alone. Athletes of all professional levels and abilities get pre-game jitters, which often include racing thoughts, pounding heartbeats, and/or shaking legs. While these feelings are totally normal, severe performance anxiety can sabotage your ability to play effectively. Fortunately, there are a number of tricks you can employ to keep your pre-game jitters under control.
Top 5 Ways to Maximize Your Time in Gatlinburg
Rocky Top Sports World boasts one of the very best locations in the United States! Our 80-acre athletic campus is located minutes away from the heart of Gatlinburg, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you visit Rocky Top Sports World for a tournament, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the area’s breathtaking natural beauty and world-class family attractions.
Former NFL Player James “Little Man” Stewart to Lead Gatlinburg Football Camp
One of the best football players to come out of East Tennessee is returning home to lead a special football camp in Gatlinburg. This summer, James “Little Man” Stewart will share his wisdom with young athletes at Rocky Top Sports World. Stewart, who went to high school in nearby Morristown, TN, played for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Detroit Lions. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the James “Little Man” Stewart Football Camp in Gatlinburg.
The 5 Most Effective Ways to Stop Bullying in Youth Sports
Kids play sports for a variety of reasons: to make friends, to stay active, and, first and foremost, to have fun. Unfortunately, the presence of a bully on a team has the potential to overshadow all of the best parts of playing youth sports. According to the National Alliance for Youth Sports, one in seven children in grades K - 12 is a victim of bullying or is a bully themselves. The group dynamics of a sports team can make young athletes especially susceptible to bullying.
5 Strategies for Saving Money on Youth Sports
It’s no secret that playing youth sports comes with its fair share of expenses. Between the cost of equipment, team dues, and traveling, money spent on children’s athletics can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks parents can employ to stay under budget. Rocky Top Sports World has put together five of our favorite strategies for saving money on youth sports.
4 Tips for Planning a “Tourna-Cation” in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
The tourna-cation is one of America’s hottest new travel trends! As we detailed in a previous article, a “tourna-cation” happens when a family plans a vacation around their child’s sports tournament. Combining a vacation with sports travel is a great way to make the most of your time together as a family, all while saving money in the process.
5 Tips for Taking Awesome Youth Sports Photos
If you’re anything like the parents who come to Rocky Top Sports World, you probably love taking pictures of your kids playing sports! Having some high-quality photos of your young athlete can be great for sharing with relatives, making scrapbooks, and enhancing your Christmas cards. Of course, your kids will also love seeing what they look like in action!