In too many instances the culture of youth sports is one where performance and achievement are more valued than growth, development, team work and having fun. As parents and coaches we need to ask ourselves why? Why is winning more important than the growth and development of our kids?
Youth Sports United brings together experts, coaches and parents committed to creating positive, development-focused youth sport cultures that accelerate our kid’s growth as people, not just players. And let’s be clear, I’m not against competition or winning - I feel both enrich the youth sports experience. However, I am against winning at all costs. I believe that when we prioritize growth and development, embrace mistakes as part of the process and create fun team environments, winning becomes the outcome of the positive habits we’re teaching.
On the show, I speak to experts in youth mental health, supportive family dynamics, building resilience and confidence, the benefits of generalization, values-based coaching and so much more!
In too many instances the culture of youth sports is one where performance and achievement are more valued than growth, development, team work and having fun. As parents and coaches we need to ask ourselves why? Why is winning more important than the growth and development of our kids?
Youth Sports United brings together experts, coaches and parents committed to creating positive, development-focused youth sport cultures that accelerate our kid’s growth as people, not just players. And let’s be clear, I’m not against competition or winning - I feel both enrich the youth sports experience. However, I am against winning at all costs. I believe that when we prioritize growth and development, embrace mistakes as part of the process and create fun team environments, winning becomes the outcome of the positive habits we’re teaching.
On the show, I speak to experts in youth mental health, supportive family dynamics, building resilience and confidence, the benefits of generalization, values-based coaching and so much more!
On the first episode of Youth Sports United, I sit down with Jordan Sutcliffe, an Assistant Professor and Sports Psychologist at the Royal Military College of Canada, to discuss the dynamics of parental involvement in youth sports. We start by exploring the crucial role parents play in their children’s emotional regulation, the impact parental behaviour can have on children’s athletic experiences and the downside of parental identities rooted in children’s performance.
From there, Jordan and I discuss creating healthy team cultures for both parents and their children. We dig into the benefits of focusing on growth and development vs. winning, establishing and communicating team norms and creating environments where parents feel actively engaged in the team culture. We discuss the positive impacts of healthy relationships between parents, children and coaches and how creating a supportive community enhances the youth sports experience for everyone.
To learn more about Jordan:
To connect with Jason: