Dr. Stuart Robbins, a chair of the School of Physical Education at York University says that sports are neither good nor bad.  The positive and negative effects associated with sports do not result from participation but from the nature of the experience.  In the hands of the right people with the right attitudes, sports can be positive, character-building experiences.  They provide one of the best opportunities for children to come in contact with rules and social values.

The Upper Cape Spartans’ approach to creating a positive environment in which to develop character in participants, wasn’t an after-thought.  This program was founded with the purpose of utilizing youth football and cheerleading to teach core values.