Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer dive deep into one of the most debated topics in youth athletics: early specialization. Drawing from personal stories, research, and coaching experience, they explore why encouraging kids to try multiple sports may be the key to long-term athletic success—and enjoyment.

Ben and Kirk unpack the myths around the 10,000 hour rule, the hidden downsides of single-sport focus at a young age, and the powerful role parents play in shaping their child’s sporting journey. They also highlight how many top athletes actually benefited from broad, multi-sport backgrounds before finding their niche.

This conversation is a must-listen for any parent wondering how to best support their child’s development—not just as an athlete, but as a confident, well-rounded mover.

Key Takeaways:

• Early specialization can hinder rather than help athletic growth
• Multi-sport exposure builds better movement skills and coordination
• Parents have a huge influence—intentionally or not
• The 10,000 hour rule is often misapplied in youth sport
• Many elite athletes started with a wide range of sports
• Diverse experiences lead to more enjoyment and less burnout
• Athletic foundations like running and jumping benefit all sports
• Balancing structure with exploration helps kids thrive
• Trying new sports keeps development fun and motivating
• Parents should encourage play, variety, and long-term love of movement
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Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for more tips, inspiration, and episodes on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast

Leave Us a Review: Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a quick review—it helps more people discover the podcast and supports our mission to keep youth sports fun and meaningful.

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson

Guest:Coach Kevin, Founder of Athletic Development Games

Episode Summary:

In this energizing episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson are joined by Coach Kevin from Athletic Development Games—a passionate youth coach and the mind behind the PlayBoost initiative. Together, they explore how play, joy, and creativity are essential ingredients in developing physically literate and confident young athletes.

Kevin shares his journey into youth coaching, the inspiration behind ADG, and how his approach focuses on fun, freedom, and foundational skills over early specialization. The conversation delves into the power of imaginative play, how parents can foster athletic development at home, and why serious training too early can actually hold kids back.

They also explore the growing community around these ideas, the role social media plays in spreading positive messages, and how playful parenting can create stronger bonds and better athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Joy is the foundation of successful youth sports experiences
• Engagement, competence, and confidence drive athletic development
• The ADG method promotes play, creativity, and lifelong movement skills
• Imaginative play supports physical literacy and independence
• Early specialization can limit development—variety is key
• Parents play a crucial role in playful, supportive environments
• Social media can amplify positive change in youth sports
• Games that involve both parents and kids build connection and fun
• Kevin’s journey shows the impact of passion and play in coaching
• Athletic Development Games began as an Instagram account—and sparked a movement

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for more tips, inspiration, and episodes on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast

Leave Us a Review: Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a quick review—it helps more people discover the podcast and supports our mission to keep youth sports fun and meaningful.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe!

Thanks for joining us on So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport—where the journey to greatness starts with play.

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson are joined by Natalie Weir, a leading expert in physical literacy and movement education. Together, they dive deep into what physical literacy really means, why it’s crucial for child development, and how it can be meaningfully integrated into sport and education.

Natalie helps unpack the four key domains of physical literacy, emphasizing that it’s not just about physical skills—but also about building confidence, motivation, and understanding in movement. The conversation touches on the importance of enjoyable and creative experiences in sport, how to strike the right balance between structured and unstructured play, and why a little chaos might be just what kids need to fall in love with being active.

The group also explores common barriers to physical literacy—like increased screen time and rigid systems in early education—and how parents and educators can foster environments that encourage freedom, exploration, and movement.

• A clear breakdown of the four domains of physical literacy
• Why movement is more than just physical skill—it’s confidence, creativity, and motivation
• The benefits of blending structure with freedom and chaos in play
• The role parents play in supporting physical literacy at home
• How to overcome screen-time challenges and create a movement-friendly environment
• Why language and messaging matter when encouraging kids to move

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for all the latest updates, tips, and motivational content on our Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast.

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find the show and ensures we keep delivering top-notch content.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe! Your feedback keeps us motivated and helps us shape future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport... where your child’s sporting journey begins!

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson welcome the legendary Adebayo Akinfenwa. Known for his incredible strength, resilience, and infectious personality, Adebayo takes us on a journey through his football career, sharing stories from his playing days—including his time as a teammate of Nathan Tyson at Wycombe Wanderers.

Adebayo reflects on his footballing inspirations, particularly how Liverpool icon John Barnes influenced his path into the sport. He also opens up about his approach to supporting his own children as they take their first steps in football, emphasizing the importance of encouragement, patience, and enjoyment in the game.

Beyond football, Adebayo speaks candidly about handling criticism and setbacks with a positive mindset. His philosophy of self-belief and perseverance offers valuable lessons for young athletes, parents, and coaches alike. This episode is packed with motivation, humor, and practical advice on embracing challenges and staying mentally strong in the face of adversity.

Stories from Adebayo’s playing days, including his time with Nathan Tyson at Wycombe Wanderers.

How John Barnes inspired Adebayo’s love for football and shaped his journey.

His approach to supporting his children as they start their footballing careers.

The power of a positive mindset in overcoming criticism and setbacks.

Lessons on resilience, self-belief, and staying motivated in the face of challenges.

Adebayo Akinfenwa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adebayoakinfenwa

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for all the latest updates, tips, and motivational content on our Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast.

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find the show and ensures we keep delivering top-notch content!

Don’t forget to hit subscribe! Your feedback keeps us motivated and helps us shape future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport... where your child’s sporting journey begins!

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson

Guest: Matt Taylor, Founder of Full Swing Tennis

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson sit down with Matt Taylor, the founder of Full Swing Tennis. Matt shares his expertise on how parents can best support their children’s athletic journey—without overstepping.

The conversation delves into the crucial role of parental support in youth sports, focusing on the importance of giving coaches the space to do their jobs. Matt emphasizes that while it’s natural for parents to want the best for their kids, sometimes the best thing they can do is take a step back and let the coaching process unfold. The episode discusses how this “hands-off” approach can lead to healthier, more positive experiences for young athletes, and how parents can help cultivate confidence and independence in their children.

Matt also shares practical advice on how parents can be involved in their child’s development while respecting the boundaries between home life and coaching life.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of a supportive, yet non-interfering, role for parents in youth sports.
• How parents can help create a positive and trusting relationship between their child and coach.
• The benefits of giving coaches the freedom to lead and manage the athlete’s development.
• Practical tips for parents on how to stay supportive without overstepping boundaries.
• Insights from Matt Taylor on fostering an environment where both kids and coaches can thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullswingtennis

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for all the latest updates, tips, and motivational content on our Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast.

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find the show and ensures we keep delivering top-notch content!

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, Your feedback keeps us motivated and helps us shape future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport... where your child’s sporting journey begins!

Produced and Edited- Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson

Guest: Allistair McCaw, Best-Selling Author & Mindset Expert

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson are joined by best-selling author and mindset expert Allistair McCaw. With his wealth of experience working with top sports personalities, Allistair shares valuable insights on how developing a strong mental game can set kids up for success—both in sport and in life.

Allistair’s approach, rooted in his book Lead with Purpose, Make an Impact, emphasizes the importance of mindset, focus, and resilience. He discusses how parents and coaches can help young athletes build mental toughness, embrace challenges, and develop a growth mindset from an early age. Allistair also breaks down key strategies for managing pressure, staying motivated, and staying positive—skills that can help children thrive not only in sports but in any area of their lives.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to cultivate a powerful and purposeful mindset.

Key Takeaways:

The critical role mindset plays in the development of young athletes.

Practical strategies for building mental toughness and resilience.

How to help kids manage pressure, overcome setbacks, and stay motivated.

Insights from Allistair’s best-selling book Lead with Purpose, Make an Impact and how it can apply to youth sports.

Tips for parents and coaches to foster a growth mindset in children.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Allistair McCaw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bechampionminded/

Buy Allistair McCaw's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNM1VCV8?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_XEM43ZBS55BYBP1QHQVH&language=en-US

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for all the latest updates, tips, and motivational content on our Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast.

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find the show and ensures we keep delivering top-notch content!

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, Your feedback keeps us motivated and helps us shape future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport... where your child’s sporting journey begins!

Produced and Edited- Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest: Ross Burbeary

Episode Summary:

In this episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson and Ross Burbeary dive into one of the most pivotal moments in a child’s sporting development – the car journey home after practice or a game. They explore how this seemingly small part of the day can have a massive impact on a child’s growth, confidence, and love for the sport. The episode focuses on the role parents play in shaping their child’s experience through the language they use, the way they offer feedback, and the importance of emotional support during this time.

Whether it's dealing with a tough loss, celebrating a victory, or navigating the pressures of competition, the language parents use can either build or break their child’s connection to sports. Tune in as the hosts discuss how to make the most of this time, offering practical tips for turning post-game conversations into opportunities for learning and growth.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of the car journey home as a space for reflection and emotional support.

How the language parents use can directly impact a child’s confidence, enjoyment, and long-term development in sports.

Practical advice for creating a supportive environment after games and practices.

Insights from experienced coaches and athletes on fostering a healthy mindset in young athletes.

Links & Resources:

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for all the latest updates, tips, and motivational content on our Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast.

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find the show and ensures we keep delivering top-notch content!

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, Your feedback keeps us motivated and helps us shape future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport... where your child’s sporting journey begins!

Produced and Edited- Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson

Episode Summary:

In Episode 1 of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson challenge the common pressure many parents put on their kids to be the best at sports from a young age. Instead, they emphasize the importance of encouraging children to simply enjoy sports, try out a variety of activities, and remember that fun is the ultimate goal at an early stage. The episode explores how fostering a love for movement and play, without focusing solely on competition or achievement, sets the foundation for long-term success and well-being in sports.

The hosts discuss why early specialization can be counterproductive, the benefits of letting kids explore different sports, and how the overall experience of play—rather than being the best—can be the most rewarding aspect of youth sports.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of encouraging children to try a variety of sports without the pressure of excelling in any one.

How focusing on fun and enjoyment lays the groundwork for healthy sports involvement later on.

The negative effects of early specialization and competitive pressure on young athletes.

Tips for parents on how to create an environment that prioritizes enjoyment and development over winning.

Links & Resources:

Mini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Stay connected for all the latest updates, tips, and motivational content on our Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast.

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find the show and ensures we keep delivering top-notch content!

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, Your feedback keeps us motivated and helps us shape future episodes.

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport... where your child’s sporting journey begins!

Produced and Edited- Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.