In this episode of the Sports Parenting Playbook Podcast, Kirk Bowyer and stand in co-host Seb discuss with Linda Flanagan, author of 'Take Back the Game', the complexities of youth sports. They explore the pressures on young athletes, the financial and emotional costs of travel sports, and the importance of intrinsic motivation. Linda shares insights on how sports can be more inclusive and enjoyable for children, emphasizing the need for balance and the dangers of early specialization.

Keywords

youth sports, travel sports, intrinsic motivation, early specialization, sports parenting

Takeaways

• Linda Flanagan discusses the impact of travel sports on families.
• The financial burden of youth sports is significant for many parents.
• Intrinsic motivation is crucial for long-term sports engagement.
• Early specialization in sports can lead to burnout and injuries.
• Linda advocates for a more inclusive approach to youth sports.
• The importance of free play in preventing injuries is highlighted.
• Norway's model of community-based sports is discussed as ideal.
• The role of parents in supporting but not pressuring children is emphasized.
• Linda shares insights on balancing sports and academics for children.
• The episode concludes with a call to rethink youth sports structures.

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In this Christmas special episode of The Sports Parenting Playbook hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer discuss their take on the latest Christmas presents being marketed for children (and adults) this Christmas.

What presents could benefit a sports enthusiast child? What presents could do more harm than good to the development of children looking to ENJOY a sport.

Christmas is all about family and friends and the quality time you can spend with them making memories unwrapping presents and playing together. Listen to this episode to see what could be a Christmas hit this year and what might not do so well.

To find out more about Mini Athletics visit www.miniathletics.com

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The views and opinions in this episode are those of the hosts. They have in no way been paid to endorse a product.

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🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Jarren Duran & The Clubhouse

In this episode, hosts Kirk Bowyer and Ben Russell dive into the buzzworthy Netflix documentary The Clubhouse, which takes viewers behind the curtain of the Boston Red Sox clubhouse.

Their focus? Episode 4, featuring rising star Jarren Duran, who opens up about his journey through sport and baseball. From the pressures of performance to the powerful influence of his father, Duran’s story shines a light on what it really means to “get better” — and the expectations young athletes face both on and off the field.

This conversation is a must-listen for parents navigating the complex world of youth sports, offering insights into the delicate balance between encouragement and pressure, and the crucial role parents play in shaping a child’s sporting experience.

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussions around mental health, which some listeners may find triggering.

💡 If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review — it helps us reach more listeners like you!

👉 Learn more about Mini Athletics at www.miniathletics.com.

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