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The Tipping Point in Youth Sports 2024 By Changing the Game Project Source : https://changingthegameproject.com/the-tipping-point-in-youth-sports-2024/ The other day I had a conversation with a therapist and youth sports advocate who is doing some great work in building greater connection between coaches, athletes and parents. Our conversation led us to discuss why so many kids that […]

Do You Work Hard, or Do You COMPETE? By Changing the Game Project Source : https://changingthegameproject.com/do-you-work-hard-or-do-you-compete/ “But coach, I am working hard out there,” many of us have heard often as a coach.   “Yes Dad/Mom, I am trying my best” sounds familiar to many a parent.   We all want our athletes to work

The Importance of Sports Diversification in Young Athletes By Cincinnati Children’s Blog Source : https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/fitness-and-nutrition/importance-sports-diversification-young-athletes/ As a sports medicine physician, kids tell me nearly every day that they want to be a professional athlete when they grow up. While it’s fun to dream, the reality is that the chances are pretty slim. The NCAA lists the probability of

Winning Vs Fulfillment How Society Teaches Us to Focus on the Wrong Things in Youth Sports By Changing The Game Project Source : https://changingthegameproject.com/winning-vs-fulfillment-how-society-teaches-us-to-focus-on-the-wrong-things-in-youth-sports/ I recently spent a few days with some NCAA Division I programs I have worked with the past couple of years. Both programs have been very successful on the field, winning

Hyper Hydration in Young Athletes By Children’s Hospital Colorado Source : https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/sports-articles/sports-safety/hyper-hydration-in-young-athletes/ Hydration, along with proper nutrition and sleep, is a key component to ensure athletes perform their best. But can athletes over-hydrate? In short, yes. Drinking too much fluid before, during or after an activity can cause a state of hyper hydration, which can lead

What Makes A Great Youth Sports Parent? By Beginners Edge Sports Training Source : https://thebestinaz.com/what-makes-a-great-youth-sports-parent/ First off, let me start by saying, I am always being asked, “How do you do it?” “How do you have such patience with the kids?” “How do you put up with family watching the game all the crazy moms

Youth Sports is a Journey (And We Have Lots to Be Grateful For) By Changing the Game Project Source : https://changingthegameproject.com/youth-sports-is-a-journey/ – John O’Sullivan This week I wanted to share with you some thoughts I recently sent to my local youth soccer club. I wrote these as I was working in the Middle East, visiting

How to Recognize Depression and Anxiety in Young Athletes and How to Help By American Psychiatric Association Source : https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/APA-Blogs/Depression-and-Anxiety-in-Young-Athletes Youth sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience for kids, teaching them valuable life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and hard work. However, youth athletes also can struggle with anxiety and depression. As a parent,

6 Ways to Support Young Athletes While Boosting Their Mental Health By Health Partners Source : https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/ways-to-support-young-athletes-and-boost-mental-health/ When it comes to keeping our kids healthy, sports offer the best of all worlds. The physical benefits go without saying, but that’s hardly where the positive impact ends. Sports offer tremendous mental and emotional benefits, too. If

Confidence CANNOT be Given, it Has to be EARNED! By Changing the Game Project Source : https://changingthegameproject.com/confidence-cannot-be-given-it-has-to-be-earned/ Don’t we all wish our children were more confident? Don’t we wish there was a magic confidence pill, or some special words that we could say to our children that would have them step into the arena bursting