The Sports Parenting Playbook

Will Greenwood: Growing up, Rugby and The Festival Of Sport Another episode of The Sports Parenting Playbook is presented by Mini Athletics duo Kirk Bowyer and Ben Russell and they are joined by Rugby World Cup winner and The Festival of Sport creator Will Greenwood. In this episode Kirk and Ben dig deep into the upbringing of Will Greenwood and his journey into the world of sport. As a youth Will loved Athletics, a little known fact is his success as a triple jumper and cricket player before excelling at Rugby. He was once told that he wasn't cut out for the game and should try something different! As a parent or coach we want the best for our kids and hope that they grow up being active and healthy. Sport has such a big part to play in that development. Discussions like the ones had in this episode and past episodes of the podcast are here to help you understand the best ways to navigate through the journey of bringing children up to be a lover sport and physical activity. If you are enjoying the episodes of this podcast then hit the SUBSCRIBE button on your chosen podcast player and get NOTIFIED of new episodes. Why not leave us a review? it helps to get the episodes out to more people like you. Interested in Mini Athletics? visit www.miniathletics.com and follow us on Instagram @miniathletics

Dwain Chambers shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a world-class sprinter, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mentorship, and resilience. He discusses his role in inspiring young athletes through his academy, focusing on personal growth and the joy of participation over winning. Dwain talks openly about the lowest moment of his career and how he now uses this to coach the kids in his academy. KeywordsDwain Chambers, athletics, role model, inspiration, youth sports, discipline, resilience, mentorship, personal growth, sports academyFor more information about Mini Athletics visit www.miniathletics.com & be sure to follow us on Instagram @miniathletics

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.

Season 2- Episode 1- Building Confidence, Trying New Sports & Tackling Screen TimeIn this episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Kirk Bowyer and Ben Russell dive into the importance of outdoor play, building confidence in children, and how to create positive sporting experiences for young people.From overcoming the barriers that stop kids from trying new sports to understanding the impact of screen time on their development, Kirk and Ben share practical advice for parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about helping children enjoy being active.The conversation also explores the growing popularity of paddle and pickleball, why the environment shapes kids’ enjoyment of sport, and how feedback from parents can improve sports programs and opportunities.🎧 Highlights include:Why outdoor play builds skills, confidence, and resilienceOvercoming barriers to trying new sportsScreen time: balancing technology with active lifestylesThe rise of paddle and pickleball as family-friendly sportsCreating positive, pressure-free sporting environmentsHow parent feedback can shape better sports programsPacked with practical tips, real-life examples, and inspiring insights, this episode is all about helping kids build confidence, stay active, and develop a lifelong love for sport.🌐 Learn more about Mini Athletics: Helping children build confidence, coordination, and a love of movement — www.miniathletics.com📲 Follow us for more insights and updates: Instagram & Facebook: @thegreatatsportpodcast⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and help us grow a community where positive youth sport thrives.🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito