The Sports Parenting Playbook

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.Keywordsyouth sports, travel sports, intrinsic motivation, early specialization, sports parentingTakeawaysLinda 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.

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.comFollow us on social media @miniathleticsThe views and opinions in this episode are those of the hosts. They have in no way been paid to endorse a product.

🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Jarren Duran & The ClubhouseIn 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.

In this episode of The Sports Parenting Playbook, we sit down with Coach Ballgame (James Lowe)—a coach known for his infectious energy, creative approach, and deep love for baseball.Together, we explore:⚾ Engaging Coaching: How James brings fun, music, and personality to every practice and game.❤️ Passion for Baseball: Why keeping the sport playful and accessible matters more than stats.👨‍👩‍👧 Sports Parenting Advice: Practical tips for parents to support their young athletes without pressure.🌟 The Sandlot Tours Origin Story: The incredible moment when a stranger’s $20,000 donation sparked a nationwide movement.Coach Ballgame’s journey is a reminder that sports are about joy, community, and lifelong memories—not just wins and losses.🔗 Resources & LinksFollow Coach Ballgame on social media: @coachballgameLearn more about Mini Athletics: www.miniathletics.comCheck out upcoming Sandlot Tour events near you: https://www.coachballgame.com/

Kirk and Ben discuss how the kids cartoon Bluey inspires movement & they take on a FUN challenge which you can try at home. There are many episodes of Bluey that if watched with a different view point can inspire you to play and move with your kids. Listen to the podcast on all your favourite podcast players and don't forget to follow Mini Athletics on Instagram and Facebook.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk BowyerGuest: Sean Patrick, Educator & Author of The Emotional ShoesIn this inspiring episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer are joined by Sean Patrick—educator, coach, and author of The Emotional Shoes. Drawing on his experiences in both coaching and physical education, Sean offers a thoughtful take on how to build emotional strength, movement skills, and a lasting love of sport in young people.The conversation explores the crucial early role parents play in shaping a child’s sporting journey, and how expectations—when not aligned with a child's needs—can quickly turn passion into pressure. Sean shares his philosophy on the importance of teaching movement before sport-specific skills, the role of PE in building positive associations with activity, and how competition should be a tool for growth, not just a measure of success.Together, the trio unpacks Sean’s "Three E’s of Coaching"—expectations, energy, and effort—and why these simple principles can change the way kids experience sport. They also dive into his book The Emotional Shoes, which aims to help young athletes navigate the emotional ups and downs that come with competitive environments.Key Takeaways:A parent’s influence can shape a child’s love for sportMovement is the foundation of all athletic developmentPE should emphasize fun, inclusion, and engagementThe “Three E’s” of coaching help build healthy environmentsUnrealistic expectations can push kids away from sportEmotional skills are as important as physical ones in youth sportEarly coaching should prioritize movement literacyTeaching kids to compete for personal growth builds resilienceParental support should uplift, not pressureSport should be a space for joy, learning, and lifelong habitsMini Athletics: Help your child build confidence and coordination through our fun, inclusive programs. Learn more at www.miniathletics.comFollow Us: Get stories, advice, and episode highlights on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcastEnjoying the podcast? Leave a review to help us grow a community where positive youth sport thrives.Subscribe so you never miss an episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport—where character, care, and creativity are always in play.🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk BowyerGuest: Chris Little, Experienced Tennis CoachEpisode Summary:In this insightful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer are joined by Chris Little—a respected tennis coach known for his thoughtful, values-driven approach to youth sport. Together, they unpack the deeper layers of coaching philosophy, the evolving role of parents, and how visual learning tools can help young athletes thrive.Chris introduces his four key pillars of coaching—energy, empathy, communication, and character—and explains how each contributes to a nurturing and effective environment for developing young players. The conversation touches on the balance between maintaining high standards and allowing for individual growth, why losing gracefully is a vital lesson, and how motivation can be sustained through purpose rather than pressure.They also discuss the often-misunderstood role of parents in youth sport, the value of trusting coaches, and how visual tools like whiteboards can aid in better understanding and retention for children.Key Takeaways:Coaching begins with energy and love for the gameEmpathy helps build trust and connection with young athletesStrong communication and meaningful relationships elevate performanceCharacter and values should shape how children compete and growStandards and performance are not the same—both have a place in developmentVisual aids can boost engagement and learningLearning to lose is just as important as learning to winMotivation thrives when driven by process, not just outcomesParents should offer support without pressureTrust between parents and coaches creates a stronger sports experienceMini Athletics: Discover how our fun and inclusive programs help children fall in love with sport at www.miniathletics.comFollow Us: Get tips, stories, and updates on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcastLeave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, share your thoughts—it helps us grow the community and spread the message of positive youth sport.Hit Subscribe to never miss an episode!Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport—where character, care, and creativity are at the heart of every game.🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk BowyerEpisode 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 growthMulti-sport exposure builds better movement skills and coordinationParents have a huge influence—intentionally or notThe 10,000 hour rule is often misapplied in youth sportMany elite athletes started with a wide range of sportsDiverse experiences lead to more enjoyment and less burnoutAthletic foundations like running and jumping benefit all sportsBalancing structure with exploration helps kids thriveTrying new sports keeps development fun and motivatingParents should encourage play, variety, and long-term love of movementMini Athletics: Learn more about our programs and how we’re helping kids develop sports skills in a fun, supportive environment at www.miniathletics.comFollow Us: Stay connected for more tips, inspiration, and episodes on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcastLeave 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