Playing Soccer: Check the DNA First
I had the opportunity to take my son over to our nearby school this afternoon to enjoy an hour's worth (or so it seemed) of soccer but after coming across an article in today's New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/sports/30genetics.html?no_interstitial), maybe I should have waited until I obtained DNA testing to determine if he had any true potential in soccer. Now I write this with a bit of sarcasm, but in this day in age, where the terms genetic manipulation and predetermination hold some value, I'm sure there are plenty of parents who would enjoy an early heads-up as to specific sports their children might excel in with the ultimate goal of capturing a coveted college sports scholarship or even put them in line for a professional sports career.
So for those who may have a sincere interest in this type of testing or those who may be just curious, I've decided to summarize a few of the more interesting historical points leading to a $149 DNA test hoping to identify the next Olympic great:
- Research has shown a variant (R) of the ACTN3 gene on chromosome 11 produces a protein found with powerful, quick muscle contractions and another gene variant (X) inhibits this protein's production.
- Researchers of a 2003 study then looked at the epidemiological properties of this gene by evaluating nearly 430 elite athletes and found that 50% of the 107 sprinters had two copies of the R variant (one from both mom and dad) and all male power sport Olympians had at least one R variant copy.
- Furthermore, approximately 25% of the elite endurance athletes in this study had not just one but two copies of the X variant.
- And so it now follows that a DNA test exists, obtained by swabbing the inside of a child's cheek, which analyzes the ACTN3 gene with the goal of determining whether a child would be best in power sports, endurance sports, or a combination of the two.
Now I do agree with the concept that one's genetic predisposition plays a role in one's athletic potential. All one needs to observe is the parent-child tandems (and even grandparents on occasion) that have existed in college and professional sports over the years. However, the last thing I would want to do is pigeon-hole any child in only one sport for their entire childhood. I believe children need to try a variety of activities and follow their own desires...including when it comes to sports. So the last thing I will be ordering is a test that may show my son has no athletic potential for soccer, a sport he enjoys more than you can imagine.
Dr. Jeremy
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10
Me thinks not everyone read this to the end.... There loss, But they're beating up on you for their own misunderstanding is unfortunate. Great post Dr. Jeremy! I really enjoyed all the sports activities my parents let me do. Soccer was my favorite. Even with childhood asthma, and heels hurting from what I think the doctor said was shattered growth plates, I LOVED that game!
By AtticusFinch January 1, 2009 7:46pm
9
I realize that "society" nowdays dictates who is a champion and who isnt. However, my goal was always that my four boys have fun in whatever they do. When it stops being fun at a young age, it isnt worth doing.
I watched my second son excel in soccer and become the number one goalie in the state. He was on a travel team and played hard for many years. He loved it from the beginning. Then, one day, he came to us and said it just wasnt fun anymore, he didnt enjoy it and he wasnted to quit. He quit and never played again. Never. He was burned out and feeling stuck in his goalie position.
We never pushed him, he pushed himself because of the pressure he allowed society to have over him. He didnt play for him, he played for everyone else.
Let your son play for fun and when he doesnt want to play anymore because it isnt fun or his passion, let him give it up.
I can only see certain parents using DNA testing as a way to determine possible "champion" status but unless the childs heart and soul are in it and it is his passion, Playing will only serve to destroy him emotionally and mentally. We have seen it happen too many times with professionals that end up with addictions to mask the stress associated with loosing or never having their passion for the game.
By Shelly4 December 5, 2008 7:53am
8
All three of my kids had the biggest blast when they were little running back and forth in little groups all over the firld. It was so cute and they were so happy. You are a pediatritian. Would you take that away from them?
My older son play flag football for years and was a champion. He was great at it. Would I tell him he can't play because
there is no 'future' in flag football?
I agree with everyone else, this is a terrible way to use genetic testing.
By butterflyzrfree December 4, 2008 7:32am
7
I don't know. DNA testing cannot measure one's heart and soul and desire to do something. Ever see the movie Rudy?
Give your son a chance before science determines his future!
Leave the DNA testing for diseases and other uses. This is going to far!
By FeelingRough December 3, 2008 10:22pm
6
awww doc....
if my boy could even tell me he would like to play soccer he would already be a champion...
well he already is a champion. But not in the eyes of most.
By stevensmom December 3, 2008 12:01am
5
My advice as an adult child who had a set of parents who were over achieving in sports and academics.... is to leave the child alone. Let the child decide what is best for himself!
By sensitive December 2, 2008 8:01pm
4
Also, why do a $149 test when you can just go out and see if he can run fast, or far? The $149 DNA test will tell you if he has a better than 50% probability of being fast, but the free running test tells you for sure.
DNA testing has some very good uses, but things like this really bother me. Just because something is fancy, complicated and expensive, does not make it "good". And if we tell to many stories about fancy, complicated and expensive things that are close to useless, many people end up with the impression that ALL similar tests are close to useless.
By DrDuke December 2, 2008 5:42pm
3
Let's face it some parents will pigeon hole their children into whatever hole makes the parent happiest. Everyone is amazed that we let our child major in art when we are both scientist. The professors were amazed that we were willing to let him study what he enjoys when we are so logic minded.
How can parents force children into positions where they will spend their lives unhappy?
By catlovesdi December 1, 2008 1:39pm
2
Hey I read about the information above. I agree with what he said. I also have another suggestion for the soccer parents and families that have kids that want to play soccer but can't because of their disability. It's called Powersoccer all you need is a power chair and the use of his/her hands, legs, neck, head, and/or feet.
I play Powersoccer and it's a blast. The website for more information is www.powersoccerusa.net. You can also e-mail me and i'll give you more information about it.
By gb242311 December 1, 2008 1:08pm
1
I agree wholeheartedly! It's bad enough that some parents already pigeon-hole their children in a particular sport. Genetic testing could definitely make the situation worse. Soccer is one of those sports, however, that isn't designated to a particular season so it easier to fall into that pigeon-hole rut if you're not careful. Fortunately, the other sports ususally don't conflict with soccer so it is possible to expose your child to other sports. **All three of our boys played since they were 4 but it wasn't the only sport they participated in. Today all three of them (21,19, 17) play soccer rec., just as their parents do. My husband and I play on a coed over 30 league and have for years. The league we belong to is call the Stumblers. We do more than stumble, however, and have a lot of fun playing all year round.
By mom of 3 December 1, 2008 12:16pm