I agree with you. Our boys LOVE sports and have played since they were quite young. Each ended up picking a different sport. 1 basketball, 1 football and 1 baseball. After a few years of rec. they all moved to travel teams where you had to be selected based on ability. They took the games more seriously, practiced on their own and then would have to sit because everyone had to have the same amount of playing time.
It is not for everyone but it worked for us and it has served my kids well. My older boys play HS sports, my youngest plays travel baseball. We play tournaments on the weekend, everyone plays during pool games, that is where you prove yourself. When we move to bracket play, the strongest 9 play.
sounds like you are a great mother and have some great children
My 11 year old has won the state championship in boxing and that is his sport , the other two young ones haven’t really made their minds up yet on what they like to do but we’ll see what the future holds for them all
keep up the good work mum