55 Inspiring Sports Quotes for Competitive Families

Published November 29, 2021
Father and son on a soccer court

Sports families are one-of-a-kind. They know gut-wrenching losses, epic wins, and how to live in their car as they spend their lives driving to countless practices and games. If your child is in youth sports, use these sports quotes to help motivate and support them, or use them to remind yourself that all your family sacrifices for them to play a game they love are totally worthwhile.

Inspirational Sports Quotes to Motivate Your Players

All players need a little inspiration every now and again. Use these motivational quotes to get your player's head in the game.

Father and son having fun while playing football
  • Train as if every practice was the championship game.
  • In sports, you can do anything you want, except give up.
  • Families certainly pay a price to support their child's sports dreams, but the end result is often priceless.
  • If you are having fun, then you are winning.
  • When you have nothing left to give the game, dig deeper.
  • When you don't believe you can do it, your family will believe for you.
  • The fight lives within you. Nothing and no one can take it away.
  • I don't know what is past the stars, but reach for it.
  • To soar, you must do two things: have the courage to spread your wings, and release the weights holding you down.
  • You were given an incredible talent. Don't waste it. Lean into it, feed it, give thanks for it.

Famous Sports Quotes From the Greatest in the Game

No one knows sports like these famous giants. These iconic sports quotes will resonate with any player and their family.

Young men playing basketball at sunset
  • "Sport doesn't build character; it reveals character." - Mav Levy
  • "Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean King
  • "It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." - Vince Lombardi
  • "I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." - Michael Jordan
  • "Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you." - Arnold Palmer
  • "One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it." - Knute Rockne
  • "To uncover your true potential, you must first find your own limits, and then you have to have the courage to blow past them." - Picabo Street
  • "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan
  • "A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever." - Mary Lou Retton
  • "Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." - Dean Karnazes

Funny Quotes About Sports That Are So Relatable to Families

It's crazy what a sports family will do for their player! These sports quotes will make every player's family giggle and say, "Yup, us too!"

Father and son on baseball field
  • You can have a life, or your kid can play sports, but you can't have both.
  • Sunday is family day, said no football-loving family EVER.
  • Some families celebrate birthdays and holidays. This family's religion is sports, and we celebrate game day like others celebrate Christmas or Easter.
  • Sideline cheerleaders are not necessary when there are moms in the stands.
  • Sports families are inspired by the game and run by a myriad of calendars and schedules.
  • Behind every great player is a mom who yelled, "Get in the car," every day of that player's youth.
  • Thank your family at every game. Your hobby became their entire social life.
  • Things every sports parent wishes for: their child's happiness, the team's growth, and a Saturday off from games.
  • If your parent asked what happened in the game, know that they didn't miss the big moments for lack of attention. They were probably just covering their eyes.
  • If you ever question your parent's love for you, count up the hours they spent sitting in their car while you practiced a sport. Never question their love and devotion again.

Sports Quotes to Soften a Hard Loss

It's hard to watch your kid take a loss. Remind them that losing is part of the game and the journey with one of these sports quotes.

  • Your family feels a loss right along with you.
  • Even when a loss stings deeply, know your family will be right there to ease the pain.
  • Think of every loss as a stepping stone to later wins.
  • Even when you lose a tough game, you are still a champion in your family's eyes.
  • A loss is never the end of the world; giving up is.
  • Hold your head high in the face of defeat.
  • A loss is only a small chapter in your story. Keep writing.
  • No one knows the pain of a loss like a goalie's parent.
  • Whoever or whatever made you feel like you couldn't do it lied to you.
  • The score might reflect a loss, but if you tried your best, love your sport, and had fun, then it was definitely a win.

Sports Quotes to Help Foster Good Sportsmanship

A major component of youth sports is building sportsmanship. These quotes remind everyone that when it comes to the game, there is so much more to it than winning or losing.

Boy crying while being comforted by mother at school sports day
  • Victories build champions; defeat builds character.
  • A good sportsman knows that a win is worth nothing if there isn't respect at the foundation.
  • The score doesn't determine a winner or a loser, the players' attitudes do.
  • Win or lose, you can always choose your response to both.
  • In sports, attitude comes first, talent second.
  • Training works your physical muscles. Showing good sportsmanship in the face of defeat works your emotional muscles.
  • You might feel bad about a loss, but you will never feel bad about showing good sportsmanship.

Sports Quotes on Teamwork

A team celebrates together, suffers together, and grows together. Team members, coaches, and their kin become a giant extended family to share defeats, victories, and carpools with.

  • When the team's heart beats as one, anything is possible.
  • Celebrate your teammates; you didn't win that game by yourself.
  • Lead your team with humility, grace, and respect, and it will reward you with riches beyond a win.
  • Teamwork is the foundation of life; whether your team is in sports or at home, everyone rises as one or falls as one.
  • When everyone plays for each other, good teams become great teams.
  • Winning with a team builds records. Losing with a team builds the actual team.
  • The team is everything. They make the wins sweeter and the losses bearable.

The Benefits of Youth Sports

Involving your child in sports has ample benefits, and the benefits extend far past the player. Youth sports become a family endeavor, and while emotions and passions can run high in the big game, remember that a game is all it really is. Help your child learn the meaning of sportsmanship, or how to take a loss in stride, with an inspirational sports quote. Hold onto a few funny quotes yourself when it starts to feel like kids' sports are your life. Use quotes to motivate, send a message, or teach meaning to the sports-lover in your family.

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55 Inspiring Sports Quotes for Competitive Families