Trophy Kids (HBO State of Play)


Trophy Kids follows families in four different sports (football, basketball, golf, tennis) who are pushing their kids to succeed. But what are the kids playing for: their own dreams, or someone else's dream? This documentary takes an honest look at how sport parents can go wrong.

Released 2013; Runtime 107 minutes

Concepts
  • Parents & Family; Youth Sport: The entire documentary is about the state of youth sport and overbearing parents; Fascinating look at how well-intentioned people can push their children in counter-productive and negative ways.
  • Motivation (Extrinsic): Many of the parents talk about their children obtaining a scholarship, playing professionally, living up to their expectations, etc., but rarely is anything intrinsic cited as a reason for playing.
  • Anxiety & Stress: It is clear that the kids are stressed out by the forceful and negative parenting.