"My two sons play at MLS academies"

I know how I'd feel if I could say that about my kids.

That annoying shoulder devil telling me how great I am for producing children with so much talent. Then I find myself getting into a shouting match with a teenager on an opposing team and wonder if may that shoulder devil is telling porkies.

Join Dan Lear and I ask we deconstruct why we parents do what we do with our kids' sports experiences.

"Please don't tell my parents"

Robin Bousquet, founder and owner of Inspire Physical Therapy in Nike's hometown (Beaverton, OR), has heard this request from far too many youth athletes.

Her answer every single time?

"Absolutely not. We're talking with your parents because you need a team of grown ups working together to get you healthy."

Join us for the whole episode to be inspired by a health care provider whose life is dedicated to building kids back up physically and mentally.

Inspireptforkids.com

SHOW NOTES

We delve into managing setbacks and injuries in youth sports, with Robin sharing her experiences from her career, including her time at Children's Hospital in Oakland and her practice's philosophy. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing physical and mental recovery, aligning goals between children and parents, and fostering an empowering and inspiring environment. Robin also reflects on her personal sports experiences and offers invaluable advice to parents and coaches on supporting young athletes. 00:00 Welcome to the Kid First Sports Podcast 00:07 Introducing Robin Bousquet: Physical Therapist 00:52 Inspiration Behind Inspire Physical Therapy 01:36 The Mental Side of Physical Recovery 03:14 Robin's Early Sports Experiences 05:48 Challenges and Reflections on Coaching 09:56 The Cost and Commitment of Figure Skating 12:23 Creating a Supportive Environment 15:20 Dealing with Setbacks and Injuries 17:10 Overcoming Setbacks: A Tale of Two Responses 17:31 Parental Influence on Child Motivation 18:12 The Role of Innate Drive and Parental Support 19:53 The Reality of Division 1 Athletics 21:04 Kids' True Feelings About Their Sports 22:07 Balancing Fun and Commitment in Youth Sports 23:08 Aligning Goals Between Parents and Kids 23:56 The Importance of Rest and Breaks 25:05 Encouraging a Balanced Life for Young Athletes 29:55 The Power of Communication and Support 33:32 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

TOOLS FOR PARENTS!!

The final in a series of five episodes to guide high school athletes looking to play in college.

Elliot Leonard from RecruitFluency lays it all out. For Free.

Industry insights about:

• The big online recruiting companies
• Recruiting consultants
• Oh, and HIGHLIGHT VIDEOS!

SENIOR YEAR!

The fourth in a series of five episodes to guide high school athletes looking to play in college.

Elliot Leonard from RecruitFluency lays it all out. For Free.

• Narrow the list & apply for admission

• Constant contact & cross the T's
• Be prepared. Mentally, emotionally, physically, academically.

JUNIOR YEAR!!

The third in a series of five episodes - and THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR for high school athletes looking to play in college.

Elliot Leonard from RecruitFluency lays it all out. For Free.

• Ask the hard questions so you can get to "no" and move on
• Be honest about the interest you are getting - is it real or just surface?
• HIGHLIGHT VIDEO. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO. HIGHLIGHT VIDEO.
• Pick up the phone. Knock on the door.

SOPHOMORE YEAR!

The second in a series of five episodes to help parents and kids understand how to get recruited to play in college. Elliot Leonard from RecruitFluency lays it all out. For free.

• Visit different kinds of college campuses
• Play at the highest level you can

• Consistent with video and coach outreach

FRESHMAN YEAR!

The first in a series of five episodes to help parents and kids understand how to get recruited to play in college. Elliot Leonard from RecruitFluency lays it all out. For free.

• Create online presence
• Upload game clips regularly
• Start coach outreach
• Rinse repeat

Do you believe in your players?

Chris Watkins, long time Division I women's head coach, wants every youth sports coach in the country to really believe in the kids they coach.

Not the best player? Believe in them.

Not the fastest? Believe in them.

Not the best shooter? Believe in them.

30 years of top level coaching has taught Chris some tough lessons. Are you ready to learn?

SHOW NOTES

Special guest, Coach Chris Watkins, shares his journey transitioning from Gonzaga to Boston College and discusses his coaching philosophy centered around treating players as he would want his own son to be treated. He provides deep insights into the difficulties of making team cuts, the importance of perseverance, and building confidence in young athletes.

Chris emphasizes the significance of doing hard things and acquiring life skills through sports. Stories of influential coaches and lessons learned through personal experiences highlight the timeless impact coaches can have on their players. The episode wraps up with the essential message of believing in your players and the lasting legacy of great coaching.

00:00 Welcome to the Kid First Sports Podcast

00:20 Mixed Feelings About Alumni Games

00:55 A Special Alumni Game Experience

01:31 Introducing Coach Chris Watkins

01:52 Chris Watkins' Move to Boston College

02:46 Challenges and Opportunities at Boston College

04:04 The Importance of Treating Players Well

04:41 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Coaching

05:58 Handling the Difficult Task of Cutting Players

07:09 Building a Positive Team Culture

10:42 Reflecting on BYU Soccer Tryouts

13:03 The Role of Confidence and Effort in Player Selection

15:30 Challenges in Youth Sports Coaching

19:19 Embracing Feedback and Continuous Improvement

20:07 Character and Performance in Business

20:56 The Rarity of a Growth Mindset

21:36 Coaching Philosophy and Culture Building

22:34 Lessons from Working with Jen Rockwood

23:08 Reflections on Coaching at BYU

24:41 Overcoming Failures and Learning from Defeats

28:20 The Impact of Belief and Mentorship

33:31 Heart Lessons for Youth Coaches

39:08 Final Thoughts and Call to Action