Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Better Sports Parents
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allison Forsyth: Demand Safe Sport, The Athlete Identity Crisis & Why are Sports Parents Losing It? | 09 Sep 2025 | 01:08:41 | |
Allison Forsyth, a Canadian Olympian and founder of Generation Safe, discusses her passion for youth sports and the importance of creating safe and positive environments for young athletes. She shares her own experiences growing up in a sports-oriented family, the role of parents in shaping children's sports experiences, and the challenges of pressure and expectations in youth sports. Allison emphasizes the need for diverse sporting experiences, the significance of socio-emotional coaching, and the critical issue of maltreatment in sports. As a parent of three children in sports, Allison shares her parental approach to youth sports and the experiences she has had with her children in various sports. She advocates for redefining success in sports beyond just winning and encourages parents to engage in safe sport education to empower themselves and their children. Chapters 00:00 Intro 05:22 The Passion for Youth Sports 06:02 Allison's Early Sports Journey 08:57 Her Parents' Influence in Sports 12:10 The Joy of Skiing and Training 14:11 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation 17:55 Understanding Pressure in Youth Sports 20:40 How She Discovered Her Ability in Skiing 25:30 Allison's Approach to Sports as a Parent 33:12 The Biggest Issues in Youth Sports Today 35:09 Understanding Maltreatment in Sports 39:56 How Youth Sports Puts Pressure on Parents 46:10 Treat Athletes as Humans First 49:00 Keeping Youth Sports in Perspective 51:24 How to Determine Safe Sport Environments 58:06 The Importance of Socio-Emotional Coaching 59:40 What to Look for in Your Child's Coach Resources: https://generationsafe.ca/ | |||
| Trailer: Better Sports Parents | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:02:42 | |
An introduction to Better Sports Parents, a resource for parents to access perspectives, advice, and tools from world-class performers from across the world of sports. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Scott Rintoul, this weekly podcast examines the experiences, practices, and issues that have and continue to shape youth sports. | |||
| Jon Montgomery: Don't Get Fear Pressured, Creating Confident Kids & His Multi-Sport Mantra | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:09:58 | |
Jon Montgomery, a gold medalist and host of The Amazing Race Canada, shares his insights on the importance of youth sports in personal development. He reflects on his own childhood experiences, the role of parents in shaping athletic identities, and the pressures faced by young athletes today. Montgomery emphasizes the value of multi-sport participation, the impact of social media, and the need for open conversations about sports and life with children. He advocates for a balanced approach to youth sports, focusing on enjoyment, physical literacy, and resilience rather than specialization and narrow development channels. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:42 Jon's Foundation of Passion for Youth Sports 05:14 Childhood Sports Experiences & Community Connection 09:20 Influence of Family and Early Memories in Sports 12:50 The Impact of Jon's Father on His Sports Experience 17:55 Being Coached by Dad, Coaching Your Own Kids 22:50 How Parents Stepped Up for Jon's Hockey Team 26:50 The Shift to More Specialization in Youth Sports 33:52 Transitioning to Skeleton and Olympic Aspirations 38:25 The Impact of Multi-Sport Backgrounds 42:00 The Role of Parents in Instilling Confidence 48:20 Jon's Approach to Youth Sports as a Parent 50:55 What He Wants His Children to Get From Youth Sports 53:35 The Pressure of Youth Sports Today 56:35 Setting Boundaries in Youth Sports 59:40 Finding the Right Fit for Your Family 1:01:26 Reflections on Changing Times in Sports 1:04:10 Addressing Social Media Challenges 1:07:10 Conversations as a Tool for Growth | |||
| Andrea Neil: Reduced to Tiers, Playing with Purpose, and What are Parents Paying for? | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:11:33 | |
Andrea Neil, a Canadian soccer legend, shares her journey from overcoming several physical challenges to becoming a multi-sport athlete and eventually representing Canada internationally in soccer. She emphasizes the importance of heart-centered coaching, the purpose of sports beyond the objective of winning, and the role of parents in shaping a positive youth sports environment. Andrea discusses the need for ethical leadership in sports organizations, the importance of keeping girls engaged in sports, and why everyone should be questioning the current status quo in sports organizations. Through her experiences, she advocates for a holistic approach to sports that prioritizes personal development and community values over mere competition. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:00 Early Physical Challenges 05:10 Movement as Medicine 07:00 Overcoming Adversity through Proactive Parenting 10:40 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation 15:15 Heart-Centered Coaching: A New Approach 21:00 Soccer: On Purpose By Accident 31:00 Purpose vs. Objective in Youth Sports 37:00 What She Wants Her Son to Get From Sports 38:55 Football or Fightball? 42:00 Coaching Soccer at Multiple Levels 45:55 Are Sports Organizations Properly Preparing Coaches & Volunteers? 49:00 Questioning Waivers and the Status Quo in Sports 53:30 Ethical Leadership in Sports 58:40 Defining Healthy Relationships Between Parents & Coaches 01:02:45 Keeping Girls in Sports Longer Resources: Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8pljLzg8mg | |||
| Rick Celebrini: Beware of Dead Eyes, Let Your Child Drive & The Risks of Specializing Early | 23 Sep 2025 | 01:05:17 | |
Dr. Rick Celebrini is a former professional soccer player, the Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Golden State Warriors, and the father of four extremely athletic children, including Macklin Celebrini, the NHL's number 1 overall draft pick in 2024. Rick shares his insights on youth sports, parenting, and athlete development from both a personal and professional perspective. In this conversation, he emphasizes the importance of allowing children to explore their passions, the balance between coaching and parenting, and the significance of character development in sports. He also discusses the risks of early specialization, the need for a multi-sport approach, and the pressures faced by young athletes today. He advocates for a long-term perspective in youth sports, focusing on enjoyment and personal growth rather than solely on competition and results. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:20 Parenting Philosophy and Individuality in Sports 06:30 Balancing Coaching and Parenting 10:45 Fostering a Love of Sport in Children 13:45 Rick's Passion for Youth Sports 15:15 How Rick's Parents Supporting His Athletic Pursuits 19:12 Competition and Life Skills in Sports 21:40 The Role of Obsession in Athletic Success 24:37 Personal Experiences Shaped His Professional Path 25:51 Identity and Mental Game in Sports 28:50 Multi-Sport Approach vs. Specialization 31:30 Injury Risks with Early Specialization in Youth Sports 33:20 The Business Side of Early Specialization 38:30 The Child Needs to Lead the Sports Journey 40:20 You Can See Burnout in the Eyes of Young Athletes 42:45 What He Wants His Kids to Get out of Sports 47:20 Non-Negotiables in Parenting and Sports 48:45 How to Combat the Pressure of Youth Sports 51:20 The Importance of a Lifelong Love of Sport 53:55 Making Sports Accessible for All Children 55:45 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today 57:10 Communication Between Coaches, Parents, and Organizations 59:30 How the Golden State Warriors Create a Purpose-Filled Environment 1:02:00 Empowering Parents in Youth Sports | |||
| Sideline Strategies: Why Does My Child Like to Play Sports? | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:05:09 | |
In the inaugural episode of Sideline Strategies, Scott Rintoul provides a quick and easy way to learn more about your child's interest in specific sports. Asking his own child this question gave him insight into what mattered to her and allowed him to reframe how he watched her play. | |||
| Ray Ferraro: Remove the Labels, "I Got It, Dad" & They Don't Owe You Excellence | 07 Oct 2025 | 01:18:56 | |
Ray Ferraro's extensive experience in sports and parenting has provided him with a broad view of youth sports that spans many decades. As a former professional athlete, a globally recognized broadcaster, and a parent of four athletic boys, Ray has seen the youth sports environment change dramatically. In this conversation, he reflects on his own upbringing in the small town of Trail, discusses the influence of impactful youth sports' coaches, and emphasizes the importance of allowing children to enjoy sports without the pressure of adult expectations. Ferraro stresses the significance of understanding a child's love for their chosen activities, highlights the need for balance in parenting, and addresses the impact of social media on youth sports. He advocates for a supportive environment where children can thrive and enjoy their sporting experiences without undue pressure from adults. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:35 Ray's Youth Sports Experience in Trail 10:00 The Most Influential Coach on Ray's Life 16:00 Sports Aren't a "Have To" 18:25 How Ray Parented His Children in Sports 19:30 Expectations in Kids' Sports 23:50 Let the Coaches Coach and Players Play 24:30 The Unintentional Pressure Parents Can Apply 30:00 Increased Parental Attention in Youth Sports 37:05 Observing Your Child's Choices 40:00 How Ray Changed as a Sports Parent 45:00 Following His Youngest Boys into Soccer 50:30 Labeling Kids "Elite" at a Young Age 55:15 Parents Using Kids' Achievements as a Status Symbol 57:00 Why Does My Child Like Playing Sports? 1:03:30 Why is there More Pressure in Youth Sports Today? 1:07:10 How Parents Can Help Coaches 1:10:15 Parents Giving Instructions from the Sidelines 1:14:00 Achievement in Sport Does Not Impact Love for Your Kids Resources: https://www.rayanddregs.com/ | |||
| Sideline Strategies: Bring Gratitude Not Attitude | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:05:32 | |
Teaching your child to have respect and gratitude for officials and referees can positively influence your own behaviour towards those officiating youth sports. | |||
| Cammi Granato: Multi-Sport Matters, Find Someone To Check & There's a Time for Pressure | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:06:14 | |
Hockey Hall of Famer Cammi Granato shares her journey from a young girl playing hockey in Chicago to becoming a pioneer in the sport. She discusses the importance of family support, the challenges of being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, and the pressures faced by young athletes today. Cammi emphasizes the need for inclusion in sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation, and the role of coaches in fostering a positive environment for youth athletes. She reflects on her own experiences and the lessons learned from her family, highlighting the importance of humility and love for the game. Chapters0:00 Introduction 4:20 Growing Up in a Hockey Family 7:20 Breaking Barriers as the Only Girl 10:35 How Parents Protected and Supported Her Journey 11:50 Sibling Dynamics and Basement Mini Sticks 13:35 How Her Upbringing Taught Cammi Parenting Lessons 15:35 The Pressure of Athletic Legacy 20:30 Playing Multiple Sports Growing Up 23:30 How Multi-Sport Experience Builds Better Athletes 25:00 Programming vs. Creativity in Youth Sports 27:30 The Narrow Path and Parent Pressure 29:40 Viewing Sport Holistically 33:00 What She Wanted Her Children to Get From Youth Sports 34:40 What Inspires Her About Youth Sports Today 36:50 Ground Rules for Coaches and Parents 41:00 The Decline of Volunteers: Coaches and Referees 46:15 Need for Socio-Emotional Coaching Education 47:38 Inclusion and Accessibility in Youth Sports 52:16 Helping Kids Deal with Pressure and Adversity 55:20 When Coaching Crosses the Line 58:30 Embracing Mistakes and Empowering Kids 1:03:00 Family Values: Humility and Teamwork Resources: | |||
| Landon Ferraro: Son of a Gun, Keep the Focus on Fun & I'm Never Doing THIS Again | 21 Oct 2025 | 01:11:56 | |
Landon Ferraro shares his experiences growing up in a sports-oriented family, the pressures of constant comparison to his famous father, and the importance of fostering a positive environment for young athletes. He discusses the impact of parental influence, the value of multi-sport participation, and the necessity of free play in developing a love for sports. Landon emphasizes the need for parents to respect boundaries and allow coaches to guide their children, while also highlighting the importance of fun and enjoyment in youth sports. His personal anecdote about trying out refereeing as a kid provides a shining example of how adult behaviours can impact participation. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:30 Navigating Legacy: The Ferraro Name 08:10 The Pressure of Expectations 10:30 Parental Influence in Youth Sports 13:30 Early Sporting Memories and Influences 19:00 Finding Balance: Father and Son Dynamics 23:15 How His Father's Approach Changed Over Time 27:00 Choosing Hockey a Path to Pursue 31:00 Approaching Specialization vs. Multi-Sport as a Parent 35:50 The Importance of Free Play in Youth Sports 40:00 What was it about Hockey that Drew Him in? 44:10 Can You Tell Which Kids Really Want to be Playing a Sport? 51:05 The Role of Parents at Practice in Youth Sports 1:00:05 Understanding the Coach-Parent Dynamic 1:05:10 Landon's Experience as a Young Referee Resources: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-canucks-with-ferraro-shannon/id1819755909 | |||
| Travis Snider: The Weight of the Words, Free Play for All & An Elephant on a Pool Cue | 28 Oct 2025 | 01:18:32 | |
Travis Snider, a former Major League Baseball player, discusses his transition from professional sports to advocating for youth sports and the evolution of his company, 3A Athletics. He emphasizes the importance of emotional development, the impact of parental expectations, and the need for unstructured play in children's lives. Travis shares his personal experiences with identity crises and mental health, highlighting the significance of communication between parents and coaches. He advocates for a supportive community in youth sports and stresses the necessity of education for parents and coaches to foster a healthier environment for young athletes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:05 Transitioning from Baseball to Youth Sports Advocacy 06:30 Identity Crisis: The Fragility of Self-Worth in Sports 08:45 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Professional Life 17:05 Parenting and Emotional Regulation 24:30 How Travis' Parents Approached Youth Sports 25:15 The Importance of Unstructured Play in Youth Sports 26:30 The Role of Community in Youth Sports 30:00 FOMO: The Fear of Missing Out in Youth Sports 32:35 Ensuring Enjoyment is Present in Youth Sports 35:00 How Are We as Parents Getting Better? 37:00 When Pressure Became Present for Travis 40:57 Generational Impact of Parenting in Sports 43:10 Adversity in Youth Sports 45:00 The Impact of Intensity and Expectations 48:30 Creating a Stronger Foundation for Kids 52:00 Bridging the Gap Between Coaches and Parents 55:25 Prioritizing the Mental Health of Our Children 58:00 Improving Communication in Youth Sports 01:01:20 The Power of Words and Their Impact 01:09:10 Coping With Failure in Sports and Life 01:12:30 The Importance of Modeling Behavior 01:15:43 Resources for Parents and Coaches Resources: https://3athletics.com/ | |||
| Sideline Strategies: Say NO to FOMO | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:09:20 | |
The Fear of Missing Out is a common pitfall in youth sports today. Find out how to spot it and combat it so that you're making the decisions that work best for your children and your family. | |||
| Gareth Rees: Access for All, Culture through Community & What are You Being Sold? | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:08:18 | |
Gareth Rees, a proud Canadian who is a prominent figure in international rugby, discusses the multifaceted nature of youth sports. He emphasizes the importance of community, parental influence, and the need for a balanced approach to sports participation. Rees reflects on his own experiences and the lessons learned through sport, advocating for multi-sport participation and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for young athletes. He also addresses the pressures faced by parents and children in the competitive sports landscape, urging a shift in focus from high performance to holistic development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gareth Rees 04:25 His Passion for Sports 05:45 Parental Behaviour Youth Sports 07:05 Navigating the Business of Youth Sports 08:40 Where Should Parents Look for Direction 11:00 Gareth's Early Sports Journey and Influences 13:40 The Importance of his Parents Modeling Participation in Sports 15:00 Sports Parents and The Fear of "Not Making It" 17:35 The Value of Independence in Youth Sports 20:45 Choosing Rugby: A Personal Journey 23:35 Comparing Canadian and New Zealand Sport Cultures 25:27 Self-Governance in Rugby and Community Values 29:25 Encouraging Inclusivity & Building Self-Worth through Sports 31:55 Barriers to Accessing Sports 35:00 The Future of School Sports 32:51 Enhancing Access to School Sports 39:00 His Parental Approach Youth Sports 42:40 Navigating Pressure in Youth Sports 44:35 Overuse of "Elite" & "High Performance" in Youth Sports 46:30 Identifying Good Coaching Practices 49:05 Red Flags in Coaching 51:05 Values Instilled Through Sports 53:45 Building Community Through Sports 56:40 The Importance of Mentorship in Sports 58:40The Case for Multi-Sport Participation 01:03:45 Forging a Unique Path in Sports 01:05:40 Access and Affordability in Youth Sports Resources: Gareth's Induction Speech at Canada's Sport Hall of Fame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q9WGTaTjgI | |||
| Shane Doan: Raising Resilient Kids, Surviving Social Media & Playing the Right Way | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:14:00 | |
Shane Doan, a former NHL player and current special advisor for the Toronto Maple Leafs, shares his insights on youth sports, parenting, and the importance of community in sports. He discusses his own experiences growing up in a small town, the value of playing multiple sports, and the challenges of coaching his own children. Shane emphasizes the significance of letting children experience both success and failure, embracing what's best for the team over the individual, and the role of sports in teaching life lessons. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Why Shane Cares Deeply About Youth Sports 04:55 Parenting from the Sidelines 06:20 What He Wanted His Kids to Get From Sports 07:30 Learning as a Parent from Different Sports 08:30 Dealing with Expectations and Legacy Pressure 10:15 Teaching Confidence and Perspective 12:25 Josh Doan’s Journey: The Long Game 14:55 The Kamloops Moment: Testing Desire 17:50 Letting Kids Choose Their Path 19:15 The Value of Failure 20:30 Guiding, Not Controlling 23:05 Learning Through Failure (and a Little Humor) 28:20 Playing the Game the Right Way 31:40 Small-Town Roots: Halkirk, Alberta 33:15 Community vs. Club Sports 36:50 Multi-Sport Benefits and Perspective 38:50 Balancing Club and School Sports 41:30 Longevity Through Athletic Diversity 43:45 Lessons from His Parents 45:22 Managing Pressure and Emotions 49:20 Listening Instead of Fixing 51:20 The “Anything Is Possible” Mindset 53:00 Coaching Your Own Child 55:00 Influential Coaches and Mentors 56:30 Navigating Parental Relationships as a Coach 59:00 Building People, Not Just Players 01:00:30 The Social Media Challenge 01:03:20 Highlights vs. Real Life 01:05:00 Parenting and Social Media Boundaries 01:06:50 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today 01:09:20 Fixing the Game: Rebuilding Understanding 01:12:41 Closing Thoughts | |||
| John O'Sullivan: Don't Make the Talent Mistake, Coaching the Coaches & Parent Accountability | 18 Nov 2025 | 01:13:28 | |
Former NCAA Division 1 and professional soccer player John O’Sullivan, founder of Changing the Game Project, joins Scott Rintoul for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about the biggest issues in youth sports today – and how parents can fix them. From “joysticking” kids on the sidelines to early specialization, car-ride coaching, toxic environments, fear-based decisions, and the loss of free play, John breaks down why so many well-intentioned parents accidentally harm their child’s long-term development and what to do instead. You’ll learn: • Why shouting instructions (“shoot!”, “pass!”, “go wide!”) steals vital reps from kids • How to build motivated, resilient, self-driven athletes • The difference between talent selection and talent identification • What healthy sideline support ACTUALLY looks like • How parents, coaches, and clubs can work together • Why “I love watching you play” changes everythingIf you want your child to truly thrive in sports — physically, mentally, emotionally — this episode is essential. Subscribe for more conversations with world-class coaches, athletes, and experts improving youth sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:34 Why John launched Changing the Game Project 05:45 “Parents losing the plot” 07:30 The danger of “joysticking” kids during games 09:28 What positive sideline support actually looks like 11:29 John’s own parenting mistakes 13:40 How John’s parents shaped his athletic journey 15:12 The importance of multi-sport backgrounds 20:14 Would John succeed today? 21:28 Why early talent selection fails kids 22:57 Talent identification vs. talent selection 26:00 The most logical North Star in youth sports 29:00 The death of free play & how to bring it back 31:53 Phones vs. play: the changing childhood 34:36 John’s coaching philosophy and how to create joy 37:37 What coach training often misses 40:00 Holding parents accountable in clubs 41:58 How parents unintentionally focus on the wrong things 43:50 “I love watching you play”: why it’s magic 47:20 How do parents eliminate car coaching? 49:47 John’s approach with his own kids 51:56 The FOMO trap in youth sports 55:40 Healthy coach-parent communication 59:18 What responsible tiering really looks like in youth sports 1:04:05 Why development must stay fluid 1:06:13 Kids want to play, not sit 1:08:10 The most common problems John is hired to solve 1:10:18 The growing crisis of access to youth sports 1:12:14 Final thoughts and closing Resources: Changing the Game Project https://changingthegameproject.com/ John's 2014 Tedx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXw0XGOVQvw | |||
| Will Loftus: The Power of Coaching, the Impact of Inclusion & Confidence through Belonging | 25 Nov 2025 | 01:11:21 | |
Will Loftus didn't start playing football until grade 10, yet he went on to win two Grey Cups and play 11 years in the CFL. In this episode, the BC Football Hall of Fame inductee and founder of Game Ready Fitness shares game-changing insights for parents navigating youth sports today. What You'll Learn:✅ Why starting sports late can still lead to professional success✅ The power of multi-sport participation for athletic development✅ How to identify quality coaches who truly develop young athletes✅ When (and if) kids should specialize in one sport✅ Breaking down barriers to sports access for all families✅ The difference between fitting in vs. truly belonging in youth sports✅ How to handle tryouts, cuts, and disappointment with your child✅ Why physical literacy matters more than elite performance for most kids Will's mission through Game Ready Fitness and the Washington Kids Foundation ensures every child has access to quality coaching and mentorship, regardless of background or skill level. His message to parents: Be present. Be your child's biggest cheerleader. You are their greatest coach. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:54 The Impact of Youth Sports on Personal Development 05:43 Parental Influence on Will's Youth Sports Experience 07:25 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation 09:31 Transitioning to Football: A New Passion 14:48 The Importance of Coaches and Mentorship 19:02 Football: A Game of Inclusion 22:57 Founding Game Ready Fitness: A New Direction 25:37 Expanding Access and Inclusion in Youth Sports 31:09 Impact on the Entire Family 34:35 Navigating the Modern Youth Sports Landscape 37:03 How do Youth Responsibly Specialize in a Sport? 37:50 Advice for Overwhelmed Parents 40:25 Developing the Whole Athlete 43:14 Building Confidence Through Sports 46:45 Creating a Sense of Belonging 48:52 Navigating Youth Sports as a Parent 51:18 Trusting Coaches and Their Decisions 56:00 The Reality of Competition in Youth Sports 01:00:34 Finding Quality Coaches 01:06:43 Coaches: Take Ownership of Mistakes 01:07:34 The Lasting Impact a Coach can Have Resources: | |||
| Andrew Ladd: Fun is the Foundation, Relieving Parental Pressure & Real Mental Tools for Kids | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:17:04 | |
Former NHL captain Andrew Ladd opens up about the hard truths facing kids in today’s youth sports system and what parents must change to help their children thrive. From early specialization to unhealthy pressure, entitlement, burnout, and the myth of the “perfect path,” Andrew shares powerful lessons from his pro career, his parenting journey, and years spent studying youth development after retirement. He also details "1616" - a mental health initiative he founded to equip young hockey players, coaches, and parents with tools to navigate the challenges that arise in both sport and life.If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will shift the way you think about growth, motivation, confidence, mental skills, and why fun is the fuel kids actually need. Topics include: • Why today’s youth sport model pushes kids out too early • The critical difference between development and performance • How parents unintentionally block growth • Why success is never linear• The emotional skills kids must learn to thrive long-term • What Andrew wishes every parent understood sooner • How we can rebuild sports into a healthier, more joyful experience Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:45 Life as a sports parent with three kids 04:30 Multi-sport benefits and free play 06:41 The loss of Free Play for today's kids 10:55 Growing up with inclusion and special needs family members 14:17 The importance of modelling behaviour as a parent 15:16 How Andrew's parents approached youth sports 17:57 Falling in love with hockey 18:56 His grandfather as his biggest advocate 22:07 Being a late bloomer and getting cut from teams 25:00 Playing the long game in athlete development 27:35 Teaching kids what "hard work" actually means 29:12 How coaches and parents unintentionally create pressure 32:36 Career struggles and mental health challenges 38:35 Getting help from a mental performance coach 39:36 Introduction to 1616 and the buffalo metaphor 45:19 Making 1616 accessible to everyone 49:19 The car ride home after the game 55:41 How tools from 1616 might have helped Andrew as a teenager 57:36 Helping today's youth open up about their challenges 59:25 How coaches can benefit from 1616 01:01:55 Advice for youth coaches 01:04:10 Setting expectations with parents 01:06:12 Stop directing your kids from the stands 01:07:33 Social media's impact on youth athletes 01:11:15 Identity beyond sport 01:13:25 Biggest issue in youth sports: Early specialization Resources:https://1616.org/ | |||
| Steve Kindel: The Triple Whammy of Youth Sports, Fears for Tiers & the Social Media Dilemma | 09 Dec 2025 | 01:20:02 | |
Former Canadian national team soccer player Steve Kindel shares invaluable insights on youth sports development through the lens of a player, a parent, and a coach. As Senior Technical Director for North Vancouver FC, father to NHL player Ben Kindel and Canada U17 soccer player Lacey, plus husband to former national team player Sara, Steve offers a unique perspective on balancing competition with healthy development. Among the issues Steve discusses in this episode: ✅ The benefits and drawbacks of early sport specialization ✅ How multi-sport participation develops better athletes ✅ Managing playing time conversations with parents ✅ When and how to implement age-appropriate tiering ✅ The decision to let Ben leave home at 16 for major junior hockey ✅ Why compete level matters more than outcome ✅ The impact of social media and video games on youth sports ✅ Cost barriers and accessibility challenges in modern youth sports Connect with Better Sports Parents: 🎙️ Subscribe for more expert insights on youth sports parenting 📧 Share your thoughts and questions in the comments 👍 Like if you found this valuable Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:18 Developing Competitiveness as a Youth Player 09:21 Nature vs. Nurture: Can You Teach Compete? 10:15 Understanding When Youth Engage in Sports 12:53 The Four Pillars of Player Development 16:22 Building Strong Parent-Coach Relationships 20:52 Common Parent Concerns: Playing Time & Selection 23:58 Club Philosophy: Healthy Lifestyle Beyond Youth 25:51 Zooming Out: Long-Term Development Goals 32:10 Tiering Young Players: When and How? 39:14 Fluid Systems and Late Bloomers 41:24 Removing Adult Pressure from Kids' Sports 44:42 Steve's Youth Development and His Parents' Approach 47:27 Are We Better Off Now? Accessibility & Free Play 49:15 Connor Bedard's Path vs Patrick Kane's Path 51:20 Teaching Kids to Miss Their Sport 53:01 Multi-Sport Benefits: Soccer's Impact on Hockey IQ 57:57 The Tough Decision: Leaving Home at 16 1:02:56 Fostering Love Without Parental Pressure 1:06:43 The School Sports Debate 1:11:07 The Biggest Challenge in Youth Sports 1:15:32 Trying to Parent in the Social Media & Smart Phone Era Resources: https://nvfc.ca/ | |||
| Angus Reid: Don't Play the Shame Game, Choose Your Words Wisely & What Are You Normalizing? | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:14:59 | |
Former CFL centre and Grey Cup champion Angus Reid discusses the troubling state of youth sports, the business model destroying accessibility, and what it really means to develop champions. Reid, now a high school football coach and author of "Teenager: A Story About Finding Your Way," shares why he refuses to charge kids for coaching, how parents unknowingly harm their children's development, and the critical difference between being demanding and demeaning. In this conversation, Reid reveals his approach to building resilience in teenagers, why he quit football in grade 8, and the coaching philosophy that keeps kids coming back. He challenges the year-round specialization model, advocates for multi-sport participation, and explains why the real goal isn't winning championships -- it's creating high-agency people who can handle life's challenges. KEY TOPICS:
🔔 Subscribe to Better Sports Parents for more conversations about youth sports, parenting, and coaching #YouthSports #Coaching #Parenting #Football #AthleteDevelopment #teenagers #SportsParenting #HighSchoolSports #CFL Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:18 The Current Youth Sports Landscape 04:42 The Business Model Problem in Youth Sports 06:20 Defining Success and Winning in Youth Sports 10:50 Why Angus Wrote "Teenager" 12:10 Becoming Somebody vs. Wanting Things 15:46 The Difficulty of Being a Teenager 16:15 Why Angus Advocates for Difficult Challenges 19:42 Finding the Courage to Join Football in Grade 11 23:41 Balancing Firm Coaching with Positive Support 25:10 Asking Kids What They Want from Sports 29:52 The Duty to Give Back - Why Angus Coaches for Free 31:28 Parental Investment and Healthy Sports Participation 35:35 Multi-Sport Benefits Beyond Physical Development 37:46 Learning from Angus's Parents 45:30 Post-Game Conversations with Kids 49:08 Was Football Ever Not Fun? 54:20 The Mission: Raising Better Youth 01:00:33 Why Football Despite Safety Concerns? 01:02:11 The Evolution from Contact to Collision Sport 01:06:33 How Parents Can Identify Good Coaches 01:09:46 The Unlimited Impact of Coaches 01:11:02 Making Kids Want to Be Coached Resources: https://angusreid.ca/book-teenager/ | |||
| Ross Gurney: Elite is a Dangerous Word, Warning Signs to Watch For & Finding Joy in Play | 23 Dec 2025 | 01:07:28 | |
Sports agent and advisor Ross Gurney shares his unique perspective on youth sports from both sides - as a professional who's guided players through leagues like the NHL & CFL and as a father navigating the youth sports environment with his own two children. With clients like Duncan Keith, Devon Toews, and Zach Benson, Ross has seen what it actually takes to make it to the highest levels of sport. But his message might surprise you: it's not about early specialization, elite camps, or rushing up levels. Instead, Ross advocates for "overcooking"—playing level-appropriate hockey where kids get more reps and meaningful roles. In this conversation, Ross discusses:
Ross also shares the powerful moment when his own son told him, "Dad, I don't think I want to be a hockey player"—and why that conversation was actually "really cool." Whether your child dreams of playing professionally or your focus is on wanting them to develop a lifelong love of sport, this episode offers invaluable wisdom on keeping joy, passion, and authentic play at the center of the youth sports experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:28 Breaking Into the Sports Agency Business 06:48 Growing Up With Unstructured Play in Kelowna 07:54 Parents' Hands-Off Approach to Youth Sports 11:02 What Ross Sees in Today's Youth Sports Landscape 12:13 Why Early Specialization Is Concerning 13:10 Recognizing Kids Who Lack Joy in Their Sport 14:12 How Good Parents Become "Crazy Sports Parents" 15:53 Navigating His Own Child's Hockey Journey 16:30 "I Don't Think I Want to Be a Hockey Player" 18:45 Dealing With the Pressure of the Family Business 19:26 What "Slow Down" Means for Youth Sports Parents 21:05 Most Common Questions Parents Ask Ross 23:15 "What Do We Need to Do to Get Seen?" 25:20 How Life Changes When Sports Becomes a Business 28:14 The Conflict of Talking to 14-Year-Olds About Pro Aspirations 30:14 Elite: A Dangerous Word in Youth Sports 33:43 The Business of Youth Sports & Skill Development 36:27 Passion and the Internal Scorecard 37:50 Finding Each Player's Contribution 41:40 What Sport Has Brought to His Children's Lives 43:18 What a Sports Agent Actually Is (At Their Best) 46:28 Satisfaction Beyond a Client Going Pro 49:50 The Philosophy of "Overcooking" 52:52 Warning Signs: When to Walk Away From a Family 54:56 What Coaches Actually Want vs. What Parents Think They Want 57:16 Warning Signs in Organizations for Parents 01:01:35 Lack of Recreational Pathways for Teenagers 01:04:35 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today: Access | |||
| Jesse Marsch: Over-Emphasis on Winning, Community Through Culture & Passion in Youth Sports | 06 Jan 2026 | 01:15:22 | |
Courtesy of Mas+ by Messi, Jesse Marsch, coach of Canada's National Men's Soccer Team, joins Better Sports Parents to share lessons from his playing career in MLS, managing in Europe, and raising three children across multiple countries and cultures. From playing for the US National Team to coaching the New York Red Bulls and leading clubs in Germany, Austria, and England, Jesse has seen youth sports development from every angle. Now as a father of three grown children who played sports around the world, he offers unique insights into what actually matters in youth athletics. Jesse Marsch doesn't give parenting advice: he gives coaching insights rooted in decades of professional experience and the lessons learned from watching his own three children navigate sports across the globe. This is an episode for every parent wondering whether they're doing it right, every coach trying to create the right environment, and every young athlete who just wants to love the game.Key Topics Discussed:
About Jesse Marsch:
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:30 The Evolution of MLS Since Jesse's Playing Days 07:02 The Nomadic Coaching Lifestyle as a Parent 09:10 How Sports Created Community in Every Country 11:53 German HALA Tournaments: Pure Joy & Fun 16:14 The Importance of Free Play 20:20 Jesse's Evolution as a Sports Parent 23:46 Jesse's Parents: Hands-Off But Held Him Accountable 25:24 Teammates Who Shaped His Understanding of Leadership 27:43 The Selflessness of Great Teammates 30:00 Balancing Individual Drive with Team Selflessness 32:47 The New York Red Bulls Parent Transformation Story 36:45 Developing a Rapport with Parents 39:54 The Pay-to-Play Model: Reality and Concerns 44:16 What Should Parents Measure Success By? 49:53 How Parents Unintentionally Put Pressure on Kids 52:20 The Father Who Told His 8-Year-Old to "Shut Up" 55:32 Jesse's Personal Values & Canadian Culture Alignment 58:49 The Team's Character: 25 Games Without Playing Poorly 1:01:53 How to Evaluate a Volunteer Coach 1:05:04 What Makes a Healthy Sports Organization 1:09:22 Building the DNA of Canadian 1:11:24 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today 1:13:49 Closing Thoughts Resources: https://canadasoccer.com/profile/?id=56831&teamId=2068 | |||
| Senator Marnie McBean: Incentivize Coaching, More Multi-Sport & Embracing Self-Expression | 13 Jan 2026 | 01:06:25 | |
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and Canadian Senator Marnie McBean joins Better Sports Parents to discuss the crisis facing youth sports in Canada and what we can do about it. From her rowing career to raising her 10-year-old daughter Isabel, Marnie shares insights on why multi-sport participation matters more than early specialization, how we're monetizing youth sports at kids' expense, and why confidence, not medals, should be the goal. Key topics include:
Marnie doesn't hold back on what's broken, but more importantly, she offers actionable solutions for parents, coaches, and policymakers who want to keep kids in sport longer and healthier. 🎙️ Better Sports Parents helps families navigate youth sports with confidence, perspective, and purpose. 👉 Subscribe for conversations with world-class athletes, coaches, and experts Chapters 00:00 Introduction0 3:54 Why youth health and sport became Marnie's life mission 05:47 Sport as the fun vehicle for improving quality of life 08:31 Structured vs. unstructured play: What's missing today 09:51 The privilege problem: Who gets access to youth sports? 11:43 Multi-sport participation: Why it matters more than specialization 17:30 Marnie's childhood: No specialization, just trying things 22:40 Why Canadian boys may be missing sports outside of hockey 24:54 What kept Marnie in sport while growing up 26:24 What keeps athletes motivated beyond winning 30:00 Letting kids bring their personality (yes, even the nails and makeup) 33:29 The monetization of youth sports 36:55 What does "winning" mean for your child? 39:46 Lessons from around the world: Patience and perspective 42:25 Let kids choose their sports 44:07 Should parents stay at practice? 46:47 The biggest distraction at the Olympics: Friends & family 49:30 Building trust between coaches and parents 54:46 The recreational pathway gap for teenagers 57:23 Don't forget individual sports 01:01:11 How can Canada improve the youth sports environment? 01:03:24 Tax incentives for multi-sport and coaching stipends Resources: Senator Marnie McBean https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/mcbean-marnie/ Jumpstart State of Play 2024 https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/State-of-Play-2024-EN.pdf?v=1713368242 | |||
| Geraldine Heaney: Less Time on Ice, Multi-Sport is Missing & Why Kids Need to Watch the Game | 20 Jan 2026 | 01:02:53 | |
Hockey Hall of Famer Geraldine Heaney, who scored the game-winning goal in the first Women's World Championship and won Olympic gold, shares what's broken in youth hockey and her view on how to fix it. From pioneer player to coaching her own kids, Geraldine has seen it all: as a multi-sport athlete who taught herself the game, as an elite player, and now as a parent navigating today's youth hockey landscape. Geraldine coached at the professional and university levels and currently coaches U18 AA, the highest level of girls' hockey in Ontario. She doesn't sugarcoat: too many kids are overtrained (7+ times per week), parents have unrealistic expectations, and a lot of talented players don't understand the game. But she sees hope in kids who play for the right reasons, rare multi-sport athletes, and memories that outlast trophies. Key Issues Geraldine Tackles:
About Geraldine Heaney:
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:50 The Growth of Women's Professional Hockey 05:17 How Geraldine Got Started in Hockey 08:00 Multi-Sport Athlete: Playing Everything 09:07 How Multi-Sport Made Her a Hall of Famer 10:26 What's Missing in Youth Sports Today 11:22 The Pathway to Burnout 13:25 Coaching U18 AA: Multi-Sport Athletes Are Gone 15:56 Why Coaches Pressure Year-Round Specialization 18:40 The Cost Crisis: Pricing Families Out of Hockey 20:43 What Kids Should Get From Sport (Not Scholarships) 26:00 Coaching Your Own Kids: The Challenges 28:33 Parents Coaching from the Stands 32:20 The Advantage of Having Parents Who Didn't Know Hockey 33:58 What Kept Her in Hockey When There Was No Pathway 35:47 Supporting as a Parent vs. Being Overbearing 42:45 Why Kids Need to Watch Hockey 45:47 Social Media's Impact on Young Athletes 48:40 Mental Health in Youth Sports 53:35 Pulling a Player Aside: Teaching vs. Attitude 56:20 Advice for Parents Feeling the Pressure 59:08 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today 59:56 Why She's Passionate About Youth Sports Resources: Legends of Hockey - Induction Showcase - Geraldine Heaney | |||
| Kim Gaucher: Open the Gyms, Increase Accountability & More Hoops with Less Structure | 27 Jan 2026 | 01:12:00 | |
A 20-year veteran of Team Canada, Kim Gaucher shares her journey from a high school basketball star to a professional athlete and coach. She discusses the significance of youth sports in fostering social skills, resilience, and teamwork. Kim emphasizes the importance of parents modeling behaviour in teaching their children about sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation, and the challenges of access and affordability in youth sports today. She also highlights the cultural differences in youth sports between Europe and North America, the impact of social media, and the growing importance of mental health awareness in sports. Kim also reflects on the pressures faced by young athletes and the evolving landscape of women's sports. Among the key topics Kim discusses in this conversation:
Kim's story is a masterclass in resilience—from being a shy kid who hated dance class to becoming Team Canada's captain for 9 years and playing professionally for two decades. Her insights on parenting, coaching, and the commercialization of youth sports are essential listening for every sports parent. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 04:40 How Team Sports Changed Kim's Life 05:35 Family Values that Show Up in Youth Sport 06:50 Early Sports Memories: Dance and Soccer 08:39 How Her Coach Made Soccer Fun 10:44 A Childhood Filled with Free Play 12:55 Parents Who Modeled Hard Work & Commitment 15:23 When Basketball Became Her Passion 17:16 Multi-Sport Athlete: Why It Mattered 20:45 The Access Crisis in Canadian Basketball 22:46 European Model vs. North American System 29:00 School-Based Teams & Development 33:35 The Current Focus on Individual Skills vs. Team Understanding 35:40 The Lost Art of Problem-Solving 38:10 How Kim's Parents Acted in the Stands 39:53 Learning Through Trial & Error 42:15 The Beneficiary of Great Coaches 44:15 Sport Lessons She Takes into Parenting 45:40 Defining Success in Youth Sports 47:15 Social Media's Dark Side for Athletes 52:46 Why Women's Sports Are Exploding 54:06 Mental Health in Youth Sports 58:40 Pressure in Today's Youth Sports 59:55 Financial Pressure on Parents & Kids 1:03:24 What Sport Teaches You for Life 1:05:17 Career Reflections: Growing Team Canada 1:06:42 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports 1:09:34 How to Evaluate Good Coaching Resources: Kim Gaucher - Team Canada | |||
| Brendan Morrison: Pyramiding Kids Too Soon, Managing Parent Expectations & Protect Referees | 03 Feb 2026 | 01:17:10 | |
Former NHL star Brendan Morrison (900+ games, West Coast Express) shares hard-earned wisdom from raising four Division I athletes. He challenges the "elite" youth sports culture that's pyramiding kids too early, discusses why banning parent coaches is often misguided, and reveals how his children took completely different paths to high-level athletics. In this episode, Brendan tackles tough topics: parents yelling at young referees, the false promise of early specialization, and why keeping expectations realistic is crucial for both parent and child wellbeing. If you're navigating the increasingly intense world of youth sports, this conversation offers perspective from someone who's lived it at the highest level—both as a player and a parent. Key Topics Discussed: Why labeling kids "elite" at young ages is problematic The dangers of early sports specialization How to handle referee abuse at youth games Why qualified parent coaches should be allowed behind the bench Different paths to Division I athletics Keeping realistic expectations as a sports parent Subscribe to Better Sports Parents for more conversations with Olympic athletes, professional sports stars, and experts who understand what truly matters in youth athletics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:06 Detailing his Children's Youth Sports' Paths to the NCAA 07:15 How Youth Sports has Changed over the Past 20 Years 09:02 Kids Being Recruited for Travel Teams at 7 or 8 Years Old 10:24 Why His Kids Didn't Specialize in One Sport 15:35 Parental Behaviour He's Witnessed First-Hand 19:20 Coaching Your Own Kid 24:20 When a Parent Lost His Temper with Brendan 28:40 How Much Development Should Be Unstructured? 31:50 The Difference with Multi-Sport Athletes 35:40 Managing Parents Expectations 39:14 Changing NCAA Schools: His Son's Story 43:04 Brendan's Late Specialization in Hockey 44:56 His Parents Approach to Youth Sports 49:28 Versatility & Work Ethic: The Keys to Making the NHL 55:35 Challenges in Youth Sports Today 01:05:19 Finding the Right Balance in Youth Sports 01:07:23 Coaches and Referees: Retention Crisis 01:10:44 Why Parent Coaches Shouldn't Be Banned 01:13:52 Vetting Coaches: Skills vs. Character 01:14:45 Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today About Brendan Morrison: Hobey Baker Award winner (top NCAA player, 1997) 900+ NHL games with 7 teams, including the legendary West Coast Express line Father of four Division I athletes Host of Reel West Coast Resources: https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/morribr01.html https://reelwestcoastfishing.com/ | |||
| Steve Mesler: Falling Means Learning, The Gift of Obsession & Keep Coaching Curious | 10 Feb 2026 | 01:22:57 | |
Olympic gold medalist Steve Mesler (Vancouver 2010, Bobsled) delivers a nuanced perspective on youth sports that challenges both the "winning is everything" and "winning doesn't matter" camps. As co-founder of Classroom Champions and a father navigating today's youth sports landscape, Steve explores the complex relationship between achievement, self-worth, and the purpose of sport. This conversation digs deep into uncomfortable truths: Why do we tell kids winning doesn't matter while screaming at the TV during playoffs? Can we value podium performance AND lifelong participation? Steve shares insights from his Olympic journey, working with elite athletes as a performance coach, and raising his own children in an era of intense sports pressure. Key Topics Discussed:
Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:13 Steve's Athletic Journey & Early Influences 06:45 Defining Success in Youth Sports 08:20 Access to Sports as a Child 09:58 The Current Landscape of Youth Sports Specialization 13:13 Formative Experiences and Lessons from Losing 17:53 The Need to Be Explicit about Lessons from Sport 19:27 Steve's Difficult Battle with Depression 23:05 Asking for Help and Overcoming Depression 30:13 The Role of Hope in Recovery 32:57 Classroom Champions: Empowering Youth Through Sports 38:25 Navigating Youth Sports: Balancing Passion and Pressure 42:17 Treating Sports Like Other Healthy Habits for Kids 46:18 Changing the Value Proposition in Youth Sports 48:05 The Complexities of Hockey Culture in Canada 53:30 The Culture of Entitlement in Sports 56:20 Defining Success Through Sports 01:00:02 Long-Term Athlete Development & Bobsledding 01:02:54 What Makes a Good Coach in Youth Sports? 01:06:54 Trust and Communication in Coach-Athlete Relationships 01:12:12 Redefining Success in Sports 01:17:40 Balancing Winning & Personal Growth in Sports Resources: | |||
| Terry McKaig: An Overtraining Crisis, The Parent Guilt Trap & The Benefit of Being Cut | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:23:46 | |
Terry McKaig built the most successful post-secondary baseball program in Canada's history at UBC, sending players to the MLB draft year after year. But if you asked him now, there are many things he would have done differently—especially in the first half of his coaching career. In this raw and honest conversation, Terry opens up about his transformation from a "hardcore, intense" 24-year-old coach who relied on intimidation to someone who completely changed his approach after his daughter was born. He shares the coaching regrets he carries, the dangerous trends he's witnessing in youth sports today, and why the overtraining epidemic is breaking young athletes' bodies. As a father who lost his wife Davina to mental health struggles, Terry also brings a powerful perspective on what truly matters in sports and life—and why we need to stop letting parental guilt drive our children's athletic decisions. Key Topics Discussed:
Subscribe to Better Sports Parents for conversations with world-class performers who aren't afraid to share their mistakes, wisdom, and the lessons they learned the hard way. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introduction: Terry McKaig's Background 03:15 Looking Back at a Coaching Career 04:50 The Intimidation Style: Coaching at 24 Years Old 06:51 The Overlap Between Coaching and Parenting 09:30 The Parental Guilt Trap: "I Better Not Screw This Up" 12:45 Whose Dream Is It Really? 16:20 The Daughter Who Changed Everything 19:35 Coaching Philosophy Transformation 23:10 What Athletes Actually Need From Coaches 27:40 The Overtraining Epidemic in Youth Sports 32:15 Nine-Year-Olds Playing 10 Months of Baseball 36:50 Parent Behavior: The Email Terry Sent 41:25 The Referee Shortage Crisis 45:30 When Sports Don't Have Enough Officials 49:45 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport: The Reality 54:20 The Top 1% vs. What Most Athletes Need 58:35 Small Town Advantages and Disadvantages 01:02:10 Playing With Better Players: Development Factor 01:06:45 Being Around Talented Athletes Daily 01:11:30 Taking Sport Into the Corporate World 01:15:20 Coaching Construction Workers Through Mental Health 01:18:06 Sport as Life Preparation 01:20:03 Losing Davina: Mental Health and Accountability 01:21:46 Trust at the Core of Coaching About Terry McKaig:
Resources: | |||
| Trevor Linden: Youth Sports Arms Race, Travel Tournament Traps & The Affordability Gut Punch | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:05:41 | |
Trevor Linden played 19 seasons in the NHL, captained the Vancouver Canucks to the 1994 Stanley Cup Final, and performed under the most intense pressure imaginable. But as a sports parent to his 8-year-old son? He's about as low-pressure as it gets. In this honest conversation, the former Canucks captain shares why he didn't need his son to play hockey, why parents are caught in an "arms race" mentality, and why travel tournaments to major markets for teams with very young players have become the expected entry point to youth sports. Trevor challenges the notion that more ice time, more skills training, and more travel equals better development. He advocates for bringing sports back to schools and community centers, questions why we've lost street hockey culture, and delivers a gut-punch reality check about families who can't afford to let their kids play. Key Topics Discussed:
Subscribe to Better Sports Parents for conversations with world-class athletes who understand what youth sports should actually be about. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introduction 03:17 Youth Sports: Then vs. Now 04:25 Growing Up in Medicine Hat: The Outdoor Rink Era 06:17 Parents Who Weren't Sports People 10:20 Raising a Son in Today's Hockey Environment 13:55 "I Didn't Need Him to Play Hockey" 17:30 Roman's Hockey Journey: Quit at 5, Returned at 7 21:45 Travel Tournament Expectation 25:10 Chicago, Toronto, Las Vegas: When Did This Become Normal? 28:40 "If a Kid Is Going to Reach High Level, He's Getting There" 32:15 The Arms Race Mentality Among Parents 36:50 The 11-Year-Old Umpire Story 40:25 "Let's Do the Right Thing. Who Cares Who Wins?" 44:10 Multi-Sport Development 48:35 The Pressure Parents Put on Themselves 52:20 Street Hockey & Outdoor Rinks: What We've Lost 55:40 Intimate Partner Violence: Using Platform for Good 01:00:21 The Most Pressing Issue: Affordability and Access 01:02:12 The Gut Punch: "We Can't Afford to Play Hockey" 01:03:50 75% Don't Know About Financial Assistance Programs 01:04:15 Awareness of Jumpstart, KidSport & Similar Organizations About Trevor Linden:
Resources: Canadian Men's Health Foundation https://menshealthfoundation.ca/champions/trevor-linden/ PSA for Intimate Partner Violence Awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R236gWQqB_o Follow Trevor Linden on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trevor_linden/?hl=en | |||
| Amar Doman: Coaching Your Kid, Commitment to Community & Fighting the Focus on Phones | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:59:29 | |
Amar Doman didn't make it as a professional athlete, but sport shaped everything about the man, the father, and the business leader he became. In 2021, Amar purchased the BC Lions and has been one of the CFL's most community-invested owners ever since. He's also a husband, a father of three, and a youth football coach who has spent years learning what it really means to develop kids not just players. In this conversation with host Scott Rintoul, Amar opens up about the lessons sport taught him that carried seamlessly into business, why he believes contact sports like football and rugby build a kind of team camaraderie you simply can't find anywhere else, and what he's learned coaching his own son that changed how he parents all three of his kids. Amar and Scott also tackle some of the biggest challenges facing youth sport today — from the affordability crisis that is quietly excluding families across Canada, to the smartphone epidemic that's eroding the locker room culture, and game IQ that great athletes are built on. This is a wide-ranging, honest, and deeply practical conversation for any parent who wants to raise a confident, resilient, hard-working young person, whether they're chasing a championship or just learning to love the game. Chapters 0:00 Opening & Inroduction 3:21 Was owning a pro team always the dream? 4:20 Growing up in Victoria: rugby, basketball & backyard football 6:24 His parents' hands-off approach to sport 7:33 Staying active beyond youth sport 8:30 Coaching his own kids 10:23 What he actually wants his kids to get from sport 11:11 How sport transfers directly into business 12:18 Integrity: the same lessons show up everywhere 13:30 Why sport is a safe place to fail 14:27 Separating "dad" from "coach" on the field 17:04 How he's evolved as a coach year over year 19:44 Managing parents on the sideline 21:25 Listen before you react 22:32 Rotating players and what development really means 25:53 Why he chose football for his boys 27:35 How tackling is taught today vs. a generation ago 29:15 Football & rugby: a place for every body type 31:11 Flag football, the Olympics & BC's growth 32:41 Advice for parents on the sideline 34:10 How coaching made him a better sports parent 35:48 Where does equal play end and earned time begin? 37:02 The affordability crisis & what the Lions are doing about it 41:17 Merit-based sport vs. wealth-based sport 42:02 Can community sport make a comeback? 44:26 Where his values came from 46:11 Navigating social media with three kids 47:56 Should coaches address social media with players? 49:49 Highlight reels vs. full game film 52:37 The biggest issue in youth sports today 55:24 Why Amar chose to be a hands-on owner 56:45 Do sports backgrounds give people a business edge? Resources: https://www.bclions.com/amar-doman/ Follow Amar on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amar.doman/?hl=en | |||
| Jay DeMerit: Youth Sports Are Upside Down, Mentorship Matters & Develop the Whole Child | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:26:30 | |
Jay DeMerit's path to professional soccer reads like a fairy tale, but he'll be the first to tell you it wasn't supposed to happen the way it did. No academy. No draft. Just a backpack, $1,800, and a willingness to knock on doors in the ninth division of English soccer. Within three years, he was captaining Watford in the Premier League. By 2010, he was a starter on the US World Cup team. But what Jay saw when he left the game in 2014 troubled him deeply: a youth sports system built around money, comparison, and results that was producing broken teenagers instead of confident, capable young people. So he decided to do something about it. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jay unpacks why his unconventional journey was actually powered by creativity, multi-sport development, and soft skills — and why today's system is actively working against those same things. He breaks down the inverted triangle at the heart of youth sports, where business and parents come before the child, and makes a compelling case for why holistic development, mentorship, and identity formation are the real work of youth sport. Jay also opens up about co-parenting a 10-year-old son with Olympic gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor, the comparison pressure his son already faces, and what he's had to unlearn as a sideline parent after a lifetime of being the loudest voice in the room. And he pulls back the curtain on Rise and Shine, tech platform he's been building for over four years that aims to bring mentorship, holistic learning, and real-world skill development to young athletes everywhere, regardless of geography or income. Chapters 00:00 Opening and Introduction 04:06 Why Jay chose youth development after his playing career 06:50 The broken teenagers calling him from Premier League academies 08:30 Why he stopped selling what he didn't believe in 09:07 How creativity allowed him to become great 13:13 How his youth sports experience shaped his creativity 16:19 What his parents focused on and the safety they gave him to take risks 19:11 Why process thinking beats results thinking every time 19:49 Why Jay didn't focus on soccer until 19 22:13 How a basketball mindset turned him into an elite soccer defender 27:47 From the 9th division to Premier League captain in three years 31:24 Does today's youth sports system foster creativity and multi-sport? 34:11 The silo problem, and why "holistic" programs aren't actually holistic 38:57 What Rise and Shine was built to do — and how it works 40:38 What parents can actually do to push for better programming 43:28 Global clubs shifting away from the pathway-to-pro narrative 47:38 Can the Jay DeMerit story still happen today? 51:05 What Rise and Shine the documentary sparked 54:03 How the Rise and Shine camp evolved into a tech platform 1:01:25 Addressing the "I don't want my kid on their phone more" concern 1:05:12 Affordability and access in Canada 1:07:36 How to properly develop leadership through sport 1:11:16 Identity, early specialization, and decoupling self-worth from results 1:16:34 The comparison pressure his son already faces 1:19:07 Learning to shut up on the sideline — Jay's hardest parenting lesson 1:20:23 The biggest issue in youth sports today Resources: Rise and Shine Documentary https://youtu.be/GtSYAUn2I7I?si=dv6xKDe8fFJUDluE | |||
| Worth Repeating: Dr Rick Celebrini on Early Specialization | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:12:39 | |
Dr. Rick Celebrini is the Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Golden State Warriors and the father of four extremely athletic children, including Macklin Celebrini, the NHL's number 1 overall draft pick in 2024. A former professional soccer player himself, Rick has worked with professional and amateur athletes across several sports including basketball, hockey, and soccer. In this segment, Rick discusses the trend of early specialization among young athletes, offering his opinion as both a professional and a father while also outlining the guardrails that should exist for those who choose to focus on one sport early in their development. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QPyUpUBjhKuRP4WMsBgmk?si=gGRGBXlfSuy6JRD2G833hw Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2dNSmHBSzmw?si=lllANJMl0EpCEkiz | |||
| Dave Hawkshaw: Earning Your NFL Stripes, Retaining Referees & Best Seat in the House | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:57:49 | |
Most conversations about improving youth sports focus on athletes, parents, and coaches. This one looks at the people everyone else seems to forget — the officials. Dave Hawkshaw is the only Canadian to hold a full-time position as an NFL official. He has officiated over 100 games in the world's top football league after 13 years in the CFL, but his journey started the same way thousands of young Canadians begin theirs — as a teenager at a community park, picking up a whistle because his dad asked him to come out on a Sunday morning. In this conversation with Scott Rintoul, Dave pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to make it as an official at the highest level: the film study, the flashcards, the zoom calls, the rule tests, the cross-country travel. And he makes the case that officiating is as demanding and as rewarding as any role in sport. But the heart of this episode is the youth sports officiating crisis unfolding right now. Young officials are being driven out of the game by coaches and parents who berate them from the sidelines. Sports across the country can't recruit enough officials to cover the games being played. Dave has seen it all as someone who started officiating flag football as a teenager, as a father watching his daughters play basketball and soccer at high levels, and as a man who has been on the field for 100+ NFL games. He breaks down what healthy coach-official relationships look like, why everything trickles down from how a coach carries themselves on the sideline, how parents should think about their behavior in the stands, and why a simple thank-you after a game goes further than most parents realize. This is a perspective that rarely gets a seat at the table in the youth sports conversation. It needs one. Chapters 0:00 Opening 1:36 Introducing Dave Hawkshaw: Canada's only full-time NFL official 3:54 How it all started: flag football on Sunday mornings with his dad 6:15 Dave's youth sports experience 7:26 What his parents focused on: work ethic, respect, and team sports 9:36 Why respecting officials was non-negotiable in his household 10:50 Breaking in as a young official 11:28 What keeps officials coming back, and what drives them away 12:55 Key mentors along the way 15:00 Why officials give their time for very little money 16:38 The unlikely path from CFL the NFL 20:02 Balancing the NFL, the CFL, firefighting, and a young family 21:25 How much work officials actually put in 24:22 What a good referee looks like to someone who officiates the NFL 26:19 Why young officials quit and what it takes to keep them 29:32 What a healthy coach-official relationship looks like in youth sports 31:12 When coaches lose their composure and the domino effect 32:57 Why yelling at officials is poor leadership, not passion 34:59 Tools officials can use to manage difficult situations 35:45 Advice for parents who know they get caught up in the emotion 37:21 Why do we only hold officials to a standard of perfection? 38:30 Having his daughters pick up the whistle 41:00 What Dave wants his daughters to take from sport 42:23 How youth sports has changed: early specialization 44:09 The pressure and financial investment parents bring to games 48:19 Has sideline behavior gotten better over the years? 49:12 Where the line is: what actually crosses it for a seasoned official 50:12 How to set the right tone early in a game without over-officiating 52:50 The power of a simple post-game thank-you from a coach or player 53:38 The biggest issue in youth sports today Resources: https://www.bcfootballhalloffame.com/dave-hawkshaw/ | |||
| Worth Repeating: Allison Forsyth on How Harm Escalates in Youth Sports | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:13:20 | |
Allison Forsyth is a former Olympic skier, a renowned SafeSport expert, and the Chief Sport Officer at Headversity. A survivor of abuse in sport and vocal advocate for athlete wellbeing, Allison founded Generation Safe to create more resources for athletes and organizations to confront and reduce maltreatment and abuse through sport. In this segment, Allison discusses the role parents, coaches and the current youth sports system play in creating the conditions for harm to escalate through sport. Listen to the full episode here: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Allison McNeill: Too Much Too Young, What Makes a Great Coach, & We're Pricing People Out | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:14:24 | |
Allison McNeill is one of the most accomplished figures in Canadian basketball. As a player, she won multiple provincial and national titles before finishing her collegiate career in the NCAA. As a coach, she took over Simon Fraser University's women's program in 1988 and spent 13 years turning it into a perennial national championship contender. She then took the reins of Canada's women's national team, ending a 12-year Olympic absence by guiding them back to the 2012 Games and making them competitive on the world stage. She has coached at every level of the game, from grade twos all the way to the national team, and she still gives back at the youth level today. But here's what Allison will tell you herself: if she were growing up now, she might never have played basketball at all. In this episode, Allison sits down with host Scott Rintoul to share what decades in the game have taught her about what youth sport is getting right and what it's getting badly wrong. She discusses the skyrocketing cost of youth sport, the trap of early specialization, and why sampling multiple sports builds better athletes and better people. Allison also shares what parents and coaches are doing on the sidelines that is quietly stealing the joy from their children's sporting experience. On the coaching side, Allison gets specific about what separates a good youth coach from a harmful one and why playing pedigree matters far less than whether a coach genuinely cares about the kids in front of them. She talks about how she built winning cultures at SFU and the national team, why every player on a roster needs to feel valued, and how the best coaches are the ones who show up for their athletes as full human beings. She also tackles the underrepresentation of women in coaching, and the importance of not letting a child's identity become wrapped up in their sport or their results. Chapters 00:00 Opening & Introduction 03:44 Why Allison keeps coaching 05:34 The state of basketball in Canada in 2026 06:30 Why youth sport costs have skyrocketed 08:11 Solutions: facilities, nonprofits & government levers 11:50 Travel tournaments vs. what actually develops young athletes 14:16 Allison's multi-sport upbringing 16:48 The danger of early specialization 17:06 How Allison's parents shaped her athletic life 21:57 Over-involved parents 27:42 Creating value for every player on the team 30:08 What basketball gave Allison that other sports didn't 31:29 How to run a youth practice that actually keeps kids engaged 35:15 Everyone plays vs competitive selection 37:14 Select teams, early tiering & the dropout cliff 39:28 What college coaches are actually looking for 43:05 Teaching kids to value roles 45:28 The cost of rushing development 46:17 How to transform a culture 49:50 The coach-parent relationship 52:00 How to spot a great youth coach 57:43 The most effective coaches 1:02:55 Sport as a vehicle for life skills 1:05:15 The lasting imprint coaches leave 1:07:29 Women in coaching 1:10:05 Separating athlete identity from results Resources Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame | |||
| Aaron Volpatti: From House Hockey to the NHL, Fighting for Your Life & Let Kids Be Kids | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:14:31 | |
Aaron Volpatti was never supposed to make it. He wasn't drafted. He wasn't a goal scorer. He grew up in Revelstoke, BC, playing house hockey at 14 and got cut from select teams. And then at 19 years old, while playing junior hockey with the Vernon Vipers, he was badly burned in an accident and told by doctors that his hockey career was over. He was wrapped head to toe in a hospital burn unit, unable to walk, when he made a decision that would define the rest of his life: he was coming back to play hockey no matter what. He was out of the hospital in six weeks. He played that fall. He went on to commit to Brown University. And he eventually played 114 games in the NHL... more than 70% of the players who were actually drafted in his draft year. But Aaron is far more interested in talking about what youth sport is getting wrong than revisiting what he got right. Now a cognitive performance and injury coach, author of Fighter, and father of three, Aaron brings a perspective on the youth sports environment that is equal parts personal and professional. He talks candidly about the trap of treating your child like an investment, the cost — financial and otherwise — of over-structuring kids' lives at the expense of free play and childhood, and why shaping your child's identity for them before they've had a chance to figure out who they are is one of the most harmful things the current youth sports culture is doing. He shares his own strict hockey rule for his young son, why he coaches parents far more often than he coaches the athletes themselves, and what he says to parents who worry their kid will fall behind. Aaron also opens up about struggling with his own identity after hockey ended, what visualization taught him about human potential, and what he genuinely wants his three kids to take from sport. This is a conversation about holding onto childhood, staying in the fight, and asking the question nobody in youth sports wants to answer: at what cost? Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introduction: Aaron Volpatti 03:42 What minor hockey meant to Aaron growing up 05:01 His parents' approach: no pressure, just values 07:33 What "let kids be kids" actually means 08:44 The lessons sport taught him 09:45 Getting cut from select teams & staying humble 13:53 The burn injury that should have ended his hockey career 19:04 The visualization practice that changed everything 23:53 Are the most talented players in the NHL? 26:55 Why overlooked players with grit outlast the early stars 29:58 Knowing your role: "you are not a goal scorer" 31:54 What good coaches do that parents often undermine 34:13 Equal play, age-appropriate competition 37:14 Sacrificing kids' childhoods 40:12 No spring or summer hockey: Aaron's family rule 40:38 The fear of falling behind trap 41:50 What the real return on investment in youth sport looks like 44:55 Being your kid's cheerleader, not their critic 47:18 The car ride home 48:45 Rethinking mistakes & permission to fail 50:02 Social media & comparison syndrome 52:31 Helping athletes redefine performance 55:46 Aaron's identity crisis 57:32 Visualization, belief and finding life after sport 1:00:34 Writing "Fighter" 1:04:16 What Aaron wants his own kids to take from sport 1:05:35 The biggest issue in youth sports today 1:10:30 Setting boundaries Resources
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| Worth Repeating: Ray Ferraro on Managing Your Expectations | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:13:29 | |
Ray Ferraro is an 18-year NHL veteran, an award-winning hockey analyst, and the father of four boys. He's also coached young players over multiple decades and witnessed the evolution of parental involvement in youth sport. In this segment, Ray talks about his own evolution as a sports parent, the trap that many parents fall into when they invest in development, and how your child's interests need to drive their journey in youth sports. Listen to the full episode here: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Worth Repeating: Andrea Neil on Demanding More of Clubs & Coaches | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:13:24 | |
Andrea Neil is one the greatest players and leaders to ever wear the jersey for Canada's National Women's Soccer team. She played in multiple Women's World Cups, captaining Canada to a 4th place finish in 2003, its best ever result at the event. In this segment, Andrea implores parents to demand more from the people and organizations who oversee the development of children in sports. Listen to the full episode here: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Farhan Lalji: The Real Color of Sport, Academy Conundrum & Make the Big Time Where You're At | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:08:15 | |
Farhan Lalji is a very recognizable face and voice in Canadian sports. Since 1997 he's been with TSN, covering everything from the Olympics to the Stanley Cup and the Super Bowl. He's a CFL Football Hall of Famer in the media category and a BC Football Hall of Famer as a builder thanks in large part to creating a high school football program from scratch in New Westminster. He also sits on the national board of KidSport and has spent years watching the youth sports landscape up close, from every angle. But in this episode of Better Sports Parents, Farhan isn't talking as a broadcaster or a Hall of Famer. He's talking as a dad. One who got caught up in hockey's spending arms race when his son was six years old, who made mistakes coaching his son that he's doing differently with his daughter, and who at one point realized he could still coach his son, but no longer push him. Farhan has one of the most quotable lines in the show's history: "In hockey, there are two types of parents: those who have money and those who borrow money. There's no not having money." He talks about what it was like to live inside that reality as a parent, even as someone with his level of sports awareness, and why the privatization of youth sport is his single biggest concern for the next generation of Canadian kids. This is a conversation about coaching, community, access, identity, and what it actually means to be a sports parent when you know everything about sport and still can't always get it right. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introducing Farhan Lalji 03:37 How sport influenced Farhan's life as an immigrant kid 06:50 The high school football coach who never left his life 08:03 What his parents stressed (and didn't) about youth sport 09:23 Are we over-parenting in youth sport today? 10:21 The loss of free play and what's filled the gap 13:03 Devices, screen time & holding off on phones until 14 15:47 From SFU communications to TSN: the career decision 17:20 What coaching taught him about life lessons through sport 18:17 How to connect with kids who have different competitive goals 22:12 Valuing the player who just wants to belong 25:14 A quarterback who said "I'm done after senior year" 26:16 Where the line is between participation and competitive sport 27:36 The pressures of youth hockey 30:08 The academy bubble: socialization, entitlement and what kids miss 32:38 "The real color in sport is green" 34:42 The two types of hockey parents we've created 35:06 Farhan's confession: he got caught up in it too 37:14 Are we pricing ourselves out of hockey as a nation? 39:12 Is the environment we've created in hockey a net positive? 41:05 Why he chose to build a football program from scratch 46:26 The Justin Morneau playoff game and what community sport can look like 48:06 How do we get back to community sport? 49:15 We need to pay coaches 51:22 Why he left New Westminster and what his son actually wanted 54:25 "I can coach him, but I can't push him" 56:33 You're not coaching football. You're coaching kids. 57:21 When is the right time to coach your own child? 59:15 How he set boundaries with parents as a coach 01:01:21 How a player taught him a valuable lesson 01:02:47 Parenting his son vs. parenting his daughter in sports 01:04:48 The number one issue in youth sports: privatization Resources | |||
| Worth Repeating: Travis Snider on The Car Ride Home | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:11:31 | |
Former Blue Jays' first round draft pick Travis Snider is on a mission to change youth sports. After experiencing the highs of what appeared to be a nearly flawless ascension as a youth star, Travis came face-to-face with the lows of struggling to perform as a pro due in large part to an identity that was tightly bound to results. He now pours his energy into teaching parents and coaches a better way to guide children through youth sports. In this segment, Travis discusses one of the most relatable challenges most parents face: the car ride home after their child's game or practice. Listen to the entire episode: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Lauren Bay-Regula: The Elite Oxymoron, The NeverEnding Season & Play Has Become a Job | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:19:19 | |
Lauren Bay-Regula is a three-time Canadian Olympian in softball, and one of the most honest, self-aware voices you'll hear on what it actually looks like to parent in today's youth sports world. Her path back to the Olympics at 39 wasn't just about softball. It came after six years of postpartum depression and identity loss following the 2008 Games, years she describes as being buried from a mental standpoint. With three kids under ten and a business to run, Lauren found her way back to the sport she loved. In doing so, she found herself again. That journey now shapes everything about how she parents her three teenage children through sport. She and her husband Dave have a full yearly calendar just to protect family time. She texts coaches directly about what her kids will and won't attend. She canceled an entire week of activities mid-season because she hit a wall and needed five nights of family dinners more than another tournament weekend. And she'll be the first to tell you she doesn't always get it right. Lauren brings a perspective that's equal parts world-class athlete and exhausted, trying-her-best sports parent — and she has a lot to say about an industry that has turned play into work, development into an afterthought, and schedules into something that can split a family across three different states in a single weekend. If the phrase "elite competitive eight-year-old All-Star" sounds like an oxymoron to you, you're going to love this conversation. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introducing Lauren Bay-Regula 04:04 Youth sports then vs. now 06:40 Growing up in Trail, BC 09:19 What sport should really teach kids 10:30 Did she ever feel pressure as a kid? 14:00 The road to her first Olympics 20:00 Parenting three kids through youth sports 28:00 The overwhelm meltdown 34:22 Being mom, not coach 35:07 When sport has no off-season 37:50 Coming back at 39 with three kids at home 41:46 The motivation: herself and her children 43:31 Bronze medal in the fruit bowl 45:24 Six years of depression and identity loss 46:55 Why high achievers resist getting help 49:09 Talking to her kids about mental health 54:00 Being the lighthouse 57:25 The mirror test 58:57 Do parents have agency to change things? 01:01:20 The one-upper mentality in youth sports clubs 01:06:09 Her biggest pitfall as a sports parent 01:10:20 What makes a great youth coach 01:12:07 The biggest issues in youth sports today Resources | |||
| Worth Repeating: Shane Doan on Playing the Long Game | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:12:33 | |
Affectionately known as Captain Coyote, Shane Doan played 21 seasons in the NHL and has worked in executive positions with multiple franchises since his playing days ended. The former Memorial Cup MVP and three time Gold Medalist at the World Championships is also the father of four children, one of whom, Josh Doan, plays in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres. In this segment, Shane uses Josh's story as a late bloomer to illustrate that development is not linear while advising parents to simply let their children play the games they love as long as possible. Listen to the full episode: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Jason D'Rocha: Age-Appropriate Expectations, Pay Coaches Well & Improving Access Together | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:13:52 | |
Jason D'Rocha didn't plan to spend his career in youth sports. A blown knee in grade 12 ended his dreams of playing university basketball, and what followed — a degree in child psychology, a summer camp job that lit something up in him, and an introduction to Sportball — became a calling he's never walked away from. Jason's now the Vice President of Sportball, the author of multiple children's books, and a father of two daughters who are very much in the thick of the youth sports world he thinks about every day. Jason brings something rare to this conversation: he's simultaneously a child development expert, a career coach, a sport administrator, and a parent sitting in the stands trying to get it right. He's also someone who grew up in Toronto's inner city, where organized sport wasn't always accessible, which gives him a perspective on cost and inclusion that isn't theoretical, it's personal. Scott and Jason explore what it really means to build confidence in children through sport, why celebrating outcomes fails the 99% of kids who will never play at the elite level, and how a misalignment of expectations — from parents, coaches, and leagues — is at the root of so much of what's broken in youth sports today. Jason also shares what great coaching actually looks like, why getting parents out of the gym can be one of the most powerful things a program does, and what he tells his own daughters when sport gets hard. If you're a parent trying to figure out how to support your child's athletic journey without stepping on it, this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introducing Jason D'Rocha 03:47 From Injury to a Career in Youth Sport 05:14 Jason's Childhood: Pickup Ball & Access to Sport 08:33 His Parents Approach 14:17 Why Sportball? 26:31 Why Parents Should Leave the Gym 29:00 Competing Authority: Coaches vs. Parents 31:33 What Jason Looks for in a Coach 33:24 Age-Appropriate Development 38:15 What Physical Literacy Really Means 41:29 How Sportball Trains Its Coaches 44:43 Modeling Matters 46:19 What Booing at the Raptors Taught His Daughters 48:18 Taking Off the Coach Hat at Home 51:13 What He Wants His Kids to Get Out of Sport 52:31 The Recreational Gap for Teenagers 55:11 Recruiting & Retaining Great Coaches 59:08 Resources for Volunteer Coaches 59:49 Sportball, Cost & Accessibility 01:02:15 Why Multi-Sport Matters 01:04:01 The Danger of Outcome-Based Self-Worth 01:07:15 The Number One Issue in Youth Sports 01:09:24 Expectations & Social Media Resources | |||
| Worth Repeating: Gareth Rees on What to Look for in a Coach | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:13:14 | |
As a rugby player, Gareth Rees was arguably the most prominent Canadian to represent his country on the world stage and was inducted in to the International Rugby Hall of Fame and Canada's Sport Hall of Fame for his efforts. A father of two boys, Gareth has coached professionally and at the amateur sport level, which gives him a unique perspective on what parents should be looking for in a quality coach for their children. In this segment, Gareth highlights important qualities to look for in a youth coach, reveals red flags to be wary of, and shares an example of how creating a great relationship with a player allows a coach to deliver tough feedback when needed. Listen to the full episode: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Dr Oliver Finlay: Invest in Coaching, Raising Robots & The Biggest Fallacy in Youth Sports | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:10:04 | |
Dr. Oliver Finlay has seen youth sport from every angle: athlete, physiotherapist, performance director, and global sports investor. In this conversation, he makes a clear-eyed case for what's broken in North American youth sport and what needs to change. Growing up in the UK, Oliver played a multitude of sports, guided by parents who simply encouraged commitment and let sport do the teaching. The result was a confident adult whose business network is built on the same values he learned in locker rooms. What he sees across North America is something very different: a $40 billion industry that has turned child development into a revenue model. Over-coached kids who can't think for themselves. Early specialization pushed by clubs whose incentive is to fill programs, not develop players. Coaches with no formal training. And parents being told their child will be left behind if they don't commit to one sport, one team, one pathway — right now. Oliver breaks down why unstructured play produces 47% more physical activity than organized sessions, why the best athletes he's worked with played multiple sports well into their late teens, and why early specialization leads directly to overuse injuries, burnout, and kids quitting sport early. He also gets into what real team culture looks like, how to evaluate a club beyond the fancy kit, and the two investments he'd make to fix the system today. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introducing Dr. Oliver Finlay 03:26 Why youth sport shaped everything for Oliver 06:36 How sport transformed a painfully shy kid 08:52 Growing up multi-sport in the UK 11:14 What Oliver's parents got right 13:09 Europe vs. North America: a tale of two systems 16:34 When youth sport becomes a $30–40B business 18:51 The overcoaching problem and the robot factory 22:05 Sport for life vs. sport for performance 23:33 Access, equity, and why most kids quit within three years 28:34 The missing recreational pathway 30:52 Why collaboration is the key to fixing the system 32:23 Coach licensing: Europe vs. North America 35:27 The best coaches come from teaching, not playing 37:51 Burnout, overuse injuries, and undertrained coaches 41:32 The professionalization of youth sport 42:52 Early specialization: the biggest fallacy in youth sport 45:29 Why late specializers dominate international drafts 47:49 How to actually evaluate a club 49:37 What high performance really means, and when it starts 51:23 The car ride conversation: what to ask after the game 52:23 What real team culture looks like 57:13 Winning and development aren't mutually exclusive 58:33 Why winning-at-all-costs loses your best late developers 01:00:15 What organizations do that actually create lifelong athletes 01:03:12 Where to invest to fix Canadian youth sport 01:07:25 The biggest issue in youth sport today Resources | |||
| Worth Repeating: John O'Sullivan on How to Positively Support Your Child in Sport | 01 May 2026 | 00:13:18 | |
John O’Sullivan, a former professional soccer player and coach, founded of Changing the Game Project to help parents, coaches, and organizations understand how they can better support all young athletes. He's recognized internationally for his positive work in the youth sports environment. In this segment, John breaks down why so many well-intentioned parents accidentally harm their child’s long-term development and what to do instead. You’ll learn why shouting instructions (“shoot!”, “pass!”, “go wide!”) steals vital reps from kids, what healthy sideline support ACTUALLY looks like, and why volunteer coaches need to hold themselves to a high standard. Listen to the full episode: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Ryan Huska: Coaching Challenges, Adversity is Vanishing & Why Youth Sports Feels Like a Job | 05 May 2026 | 01:06:09 | |
Ryan Huska has seen youth sports from just about every angle. As head coach of the Calgary Flames, he operates at the pinnacle of professional hockey. But as a father of three, he's also lived the full experience of the sports parent. Certain aspects of what he sees concerns him. In this conversation, Ryan reflects on two decades of parenting in youth sport and pulls no punches. He believes early specialization is producing a lo of technically gifted players who've lost their feel for the team game. He traces that back to a youth sports culture that rewards individual development over collective play, and that has created so many leagues and avenues that kids never learn how to handle adversity, adapt to a new role, or simply fall down a level and work their way back up. Ryan talks about the car ride home, the importance of asking open-ended questions instead of offering critique, the value of multi-sport development, and what he learned about hard work and teamwork during his Memorial Cup years with the Kamloops Blazers. He also addresses the proliferation of leagues and options that let families opt out of any environment that challenges them, a trend Ryan thinks is sending the wrong message to kids, fragmenting communities, and creating more problems than it solves. 🎙️ Subscribe to Better Sports Parents, a podcast dedicated to helping parents more positively contribute to the youth sports environment. Chapters 0:00 Opening 01:35 Introducing Ryan Huska 03:27 Is Being a Sports Parent More Stressful Than Coaching the NHL? 04:02 How Youth Sports Has Changed 04:49 The Rise of Individualism 06:10 The Problem with Early Specialization 07:12 The Fear of Falling Behind 09:22 Late Bloomers and Different Paths to the Top 10:26 The Fire That Comes from Taking a Break Between Sports 11:33 When Sport Starts to Feel Like a Job 13:54 Getting Kids to Their Ceiling Too Fast 15:35 Entitlement & Learning to Accept a Different Role 17:09 Growing Up in a Small Town 20:25 His Parents' Role in Ryan's Sports Journey 24:05 How Ryan Learned to Talk to His Own Kids After Games 26:25 The Carpool Secret: Why Other Kids in the Car Changes Everything 28:23 Why Ryan Chose Hockey Over Baseball at 15 30:25 Getting Humbled at Kamloops 34:04 How a Part-Time Job Became a Coaching Career 36:47 Coaching His Daughters in Soccer 39:57 "Too Much Too Soon" 41:48 Does Specialization Actually Create Better Players? 44:22 Why Kids Need to Watch Full Games 47:36 Unstructured Play and the Loss of Creativity 48:13 Why Coaches Should Add Small Area Games Back 49:28 What Advice Ryan Gives Volunteer Coaches 51:10 How to Communicate With and Manage Parents as a Coach 53:11 The Problem with Too Many Leagues 55:51 Why Parents Are Losing the Plot: Intentions vs. Outcomes 57:08 The Rising Cost of Youth Sports and the Affordability Crisis 59:07 The ROI Problem 1:01:35 Ryan's Number One Concern in Youth Sports Today 1:03:19 What Ryan Hopes His Kids Took From Sport Resources | |||
| Worth Repeating: Cammi Granato on Allowing Your Kids to Navigate Adversity | 08 May 2026 | 00:10:41 | |
Hockey Hall of Famer Cammi Granato is a pioneer in women's hockey, breaking down barriers on and off the ice. Currently the Assistant General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks, Granato has experienced the game as a player, a coach, an executive, and a parent. In this segment, she discusses how to guide your children when they encounter adversity - from the pressure they may feel in competitive environments to learning to cope with a less than ideal coach to making mistakes while playing the game. Listen to the full episode here: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Laurent Duvernay-Tardif: Two Worlds of Sport, Lessons from Andy Reid & Build Bigger Funnels | 12 May 2026 | 01:03:14 | |
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif contains multitudes. He's a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, a practicing physician in Quebec, a business owner, and the founder of a foundation dedicated to giving underserved children access to both sport and the arts. He is also one of the most thoughtful voices on youth sport you will find anywhere. In this conversation, Laurent traces the full arc of a remarkable life: from a childhood spent sailing with his family across the Caribbean, to playing badminton and violin alongside football as a teenager, to meeting with the Dean of Medicine before meeting a single NFL team, to sitting out a season to serve on the front lines of COVID relief. At every step, his story challenges the assumptions that dominate youth sports culture today. Laurent argues that sport and physical activity have quietly become two different things: one is an industry of performance, the other is a lifelong health behaviour. He believes the youth sports environment has tilted too far toward the former, narrowing the pipeline of kids who stay active. He talks about what Andy Reid understood about coaching that most coaches never do, describes the Kansas City locker room as a place where Travis Kelce's interest in fashion was treated with the same respect as a surgical reduction of a fracture, and how that culture of permission made the team better. He also opens up about his LDT Foundation, now active in over 60 schools & 400 summer camps across Quebec, which fuses sport and art to serve children who would otherwise have neither. And he makes a case that the goal of youth sport should not be to produce more elite athletes, but to produce more active humans. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:36 Introducing Laurent Duvernay-Tardif 05:32 Why He Never Gave Up Medicine for the NFL 08:26 What Makes Andy Reid a Special Coach 09:57 Youth Coaches Who Let Him Stay Multi-Sport 11:30 How Martial Arts, Badminton Made Him a Better Lineman 12:50 His Parents' Approach 13:56 Two Years Away From Organized Sport 16:09 Being Left on an Island 17:06 Coming Back at 15: Hungry for Sport Again 17:58 Playing to Have Fun 19:32 What His Parents Asked After Games 20:47 The Contract Call: His Mom's Reaction 22:22 What Unconditional Love Looks Like in Sport 23:38 Why He's Not Ready to Coach Yet 24:02 What a Good Youth Coach Should Be 25:48 What to Look for in a Team Before You Enroll Your Kids 27:33 The Performance Industry vs. The Community 29:21 Building a Bigger Funnel 31:22 Importance of Elite Sport 33:17 Why More Participants Means More Champions 34:40 The LDT Foundation 37:10 Why Summer Matters Most for Kids Who Need It 38:09 How Playing Violin Made Him a Better Athlete 40:06 The KC Locker Room: Pokemon Cards, Fashion & Surgery 43:44 Why Football Became His Sport 46:08 Mahomes, Kelce and the Case for Multi-Sport 47:11 Were You Free to Play as a Kid? 48:01 Connecting People Through Sport 50:06 Why Kids Should Try Every Position 51:11 Affordability and Access: The Gap We're Creating 53:06 Don't Push Too Hard Too Soon 53:51 Where Should Money in Youth Sport Go? 55:39 Why Intergenerational Play Matters 57:15 The Most Influential Thing a Parent Can Do 57:56 Screen Time & Social Media 59:01 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sport 1:01:02 Jumpstart's Rethink Initiative Resources | |||
| Worth Repeating: Steve Kindel on Choosing Multisport in a Sport Specialized System | 15 May 2026 | 00:10:02 | |
Steve Kindel is a former professional soccer player, the Technical Director of a youth soccer club (North Van FC), and the father of NHL forward, Ben Kindel. Steve not only had a front row seat to watch his son grow in various ways through multisport participation, but he also witnessed how NHL stars Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini benefited from playing soccer into their teens. In this segment, Steve describes the reality of year-round opportunities in so many youth sports, but advocates for families to hold firm to their beliefs and values with respect to multisport participation. Listen to the full episode here: Watch on YouTube | |||
| Adam Van Koeverden: The Alignment Issue, Fund Physical Literacy & Canada Wants to Win | 19 May 2026 | 01:02:17 | |
Adam Van Koeverden has paddled over 120,000 kilometres in his lifetime. He's a four-time Olympian, a multiple world champion, and one of the most decorated kayakers Canada has ever produced. He's also Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, and that may be where his biggest race is being run. In this conversation, Adam traces the full arc of a sporting life that began with a mom who needed somewhere for her kid to go after school. The Oakville canoe club was affordable, it was welcoming, it ran on volunteers, and it changed everything. Adam wants every Canadian kid to have access to that same kind of experience, and he's now in a position to do something about it. He talks candidly about the $755 million federal investment in sport recently announced, and what it's actually designed to do. As Adam puts it, every world champion Canada has ever produced started out splashing around in swimming lessons or kicking a ball at a community center, and the foundation for elite sport is an active society. He also weighs in on the issues sports parents know too well: early specialization, the pressure to travel at young ages, the cost of living squeezing family budgets, and the gap between what the research says about youth development and what's actually happening on the ground. He shares his honest view on what a good youth coach looks like, what his own parents did right, and why the Norwegian model keeps coming up as the gold standard. And he makes the case that physical activity and play are human rights. Chapters 0:00 Opening 1:35 Introducing Adam Van Koeverden 5:11 The $755M Announcement: Largest Sport Investment in Canadian History 8:00 How Will the $755M Show Up in Your Community? 8:28 National Sport Organizations & the Alignment Problem 12:37 Hockey Canada and the Trust Deficit in Governance 14:30 Do We Need to Overhaul National Sport Organizations? 15:38 Underfunded at Every Level 16:39 Nation Building Through Sport: Why Adam Put His Name on a Ballot 18:24 What Parents Are Telling Him 21:46 The Case for Coed Sport Until Age 12 23:19 Can Government Incentivize Multi-Sport? 26:18 School-Based Sport vs. Club Sport: The Balance We've Lost 27:31 Not-for-Profit vs. For-Profit Sport 29:20 Sport Saves Kids 30:42 Adam's Youth Sports Journey 32:45 Why Kayaking? 34:12 Physical Literacy for All Canadians 37:12 Screens and the Generation That Stopped Moving 39:44 Competition vs. Participation 41:49 What Adam's Parents Did Right 43:05 The Norwegian Model: Kids Are Not Olympians 45:43 The Foundation for Success in Sport 46:39 What a Positive Sporting Environment Actually Looks Like 49:08 Valuing Coaching 54:48 Cost of Living, Sideline Pressure and Sport on the Chopping Block 56:05 What Does Success Look Like for Canada in 5, 10, 15 Years? 59:48 Adam's Biggest Issue: Declining Participation 1:00:46 Reasons for Optimism Resources | |||