The Youth Sports Problem No One Wants to Talk About

About this episode

Derek Shunk interviews John O’Sullivan about the challenges in youth sports and how to create a healthier environment for young athletes.

Youth sports should build confidence, resilience, and character. But too often, pressure, comparison, and adult expectations get in the way.In this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with John O’Sullivan, internationally recognized TEDx speaker and founder of the Changing the Game Project. Since launching the organization in 2012, John has helped schools, clubs, and sports organizations around the world create healthier environments for young athletes.John is the author of three #1 bestselling books — Changing the Game, Every Moment Matters, and Champion Teammate — and host of the Way of Champions Podcast, one of the most respected podcasts in the world for coaches.A former collegiate and professional soccer player with over 20 years of coaching experience, John has consulted with organizations including the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Football, USA Lacrosse, USA Swimming, Ireland Rugby, and Aussie Rules Football. He also serves on the National Advisory Boards for the Positive Coaching Alliance and the National Association for Physical Literacy.In this conversation, Derek and John break down what the best coaches in the world actually do differently—and how…

People in this episode

Host: Derek Shunk

Guest: John O’Sullivan

Topics covered

• youth sports
• parenting
• coaching
• athlete development
• performance pressure
• character building

Keywords

• youth sports
• coaching
• parenting
• athlete development
• performance pressure
• early specialization
• long-term success

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Changing the Game Project, US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Football, USA Lacrosse, USA Swimming, Ireland Rugby, Aussie Rules Football

Books & works: Changing the Game, Every Moment Matters, Champion Teammate, Way of Champions Podcast

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