Episode 1, Youth Football Health and Safety

Guest, Thayne Munce, PhD, FACSM

Joining the Healthy Youth Sports podcast is Thayne Munce, Ph.D., FACSM, an Assistant Scientist and Director of the Athletic Health & Performance Lab at Sanford Research, a division of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Munce is a research sports scientist who studies the effects of repetitive head impacts and concussion on brain health in athletes. His work is highlighted by a multi-year study investigating head impact exposure and neurologic function in youth football players. We have an outstanding show for you shining a spotlight on a very important topic of Youth Football Health & Safety. Let's jump right in!

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Download the transcript of this episode

Additional resources:

Concussion: Not Just a Football Injury | Handout/Flyer
Recommendations and Guidelines for Minimizing Head Impact Exposure and Concussion Risk in Football

Episode 2, Understanding Ages & Stages to Inform Developmentally Appropriate Youth Sports

Long-Term Athlete Development & Coaching Series, part 1/3

Guest: Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS,*D, FNSCA

Dr. Rick Howard, who is an Assistant Professor, Coaching Minor Advisor, and Sports Performance Coordinator at West Chester University joins us on today’s Healthy Youth Sports podcast. Dr. Howard comes to us from the youth sports landscape of including muscle strength and motor skills along the developmental continuum. We have an outstanding show for you today shining a spotlight on a very important topic of developmentally appropriate youth sports informed by long-term athletic development.

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Download the transcript of this episode

Additional resources:

Understanding Ages and Stages to Inform Developmentally Appropriate Youth Sports | Downloadable Handout
The United States Center for Coaching Excellence | Downloadable Handout, Partner Spotlight
Developing a Positive Youth Sports Culture | Downloadable Article

Episode 3, The Impact of Adolescent Development on Fitness and Conditioning Age and Stage

Long-Term Athlete Development & Coaching Series, part 2/3

Guest: Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS,*D, FNSCA

Dr. Rick Howard, an Assistant Professor, Coaching Minor Advisor, and Sports Performance Coordinator at West Chester University comes to us today from the youth sports landscape of including muscle strength and motor skills along the developmental continuum. We have an outstanding show for you today shining a spotlight on a very important topic of developmentally appropriate youth sports informed by long-term athletic development and the impact of adolescent development on fitness and conditioning age and stage. So, let's jump right in!

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Download the transcript of this episode

Additional resources:

The Impact of Adolescent Development on Fitness & Conditioning Age and Stage | Downloadable Handout
Youth Fitness Specialist | Online Course
ACSM's Essentials of Youth Fitness | Book
The United States Center for Coaching Excellence | Downloadable Handout, Partner Spotlight
Developing a Positive Youth Sports Culture | Downloadable Article

Episode 4, Matching Child Centered Policies to Appropriate Development in Youth Sports

Long-Term Athlete Development & Coaching Series, part 3/3

Guest: Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS,*D, FNSCA

With us today is Dr. Rick Howard who is an Assistant Professor, Coaching Minor Advisor, and Sports Performance Coordinator at West Chester University. Rick comes to us from the youth sports landscape of including muscle strength and motor skills along the developmental continuum. We have an outstanding show for you, shining a spotlight on a very important topic of matching child-centered policies to age and stage appropriate development in youth sport. 

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Additional resources:

Matching Child Centered Policies to Age- and Stage- Appropriate Development in Youth Sports | Downloadable Handout
Youth Fitness Specialist | Online Course
ACSM's Essentials of Youth Fitness | Book
The United States Center for Coaching Excellence | Downloadable Handout, Partner Spotlight
Developing a Positive Youth Sports Culture | Downloadable Article

Episode 5, Making the Connection: Youth Sports & Athletic Identity 

Guest: Tamerah Hunt, Ph.D., FACSM, and Kylie Roberts

With us today is Tamerah Hunt, Ph.D., FACSM, who is a Certified Athletic Trainer with expertise in mental health, concussion and youth sports. She obtained her PhD from the University of Georgia and currently works as the Program Coordinator for the MS in Kinesiology program with a concentration in Athletic Training at Georgia Southern University. Joining Dr. Hunt is Ms. Kylie Roberts, who is a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Georgia Southern University with experience in mental health, mental health help seeking and cultural consideration in low socioeconomic status populations. We have an outstanding show for you today shining a spotlight on a very important topic of the effect of athletic identity in youth and adolescent athletes.

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Additional resources:

Athletic Identity and Youth Sports | Downloadable Handout

Episode 6,The Female Athlete Triad

Guest: Elizabeth Joy, M.D., MPH, FACSM

The Female Athlete Triad was initially comprised of three distinct but interrelated conditions that may appear in female athletes: eating disorders, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Today, medical professionals recognize that a larger spectrum exists of lower energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density. Any female athlete may develop these symptoms, but those competing in sports where leanness may confer a competitive advantage, aesthetic sports, sports with weight classes, and anti-gravitational sports are at an increased risk.

With us today is Elizabeth Joy, M.D., MPH, FACSM, a family medicine and sports medicine physician with over 30 years of clinical experience. She is Chief Medical Officer for Lore Health, a Past President of the Female Athlete Triad Coalition and in 2016, served as President of the American College of Sports Medicine. We have an outstanding show for you today shining a spotlight on a very important topic of the Female Athlete Triad.

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Additional resources:

Optimal Nutrition for Youth Athletes: Food Sources and Fuel Timing | Downloadable Handout

Episode7, Youth Sports Specialization

Guest: Tony Moreno, Ph.D., CSCS*D USAW 1

Today's guest is Tony Moreno, Ph.D., CSCS*D USAW 1, a Professor of Kinesiology at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Moreno teaches courses at EMU in biomechanics and sport performance training. He is a longtime member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) where he has been involved in promoting the Long Term Athlete Development framework in a variety of settings. He has also instructed athlete development coursework for the graduate coaching education programs at West Virginia University and Michigan State University, and has helped create athlete development and coaches' education materials for USA Lacrosse, USA Ultimate, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. We have an outstanding show for you today, shining a spotlight on the very important topic of Youth Sport Specialization.

Sport specialization is a structured and intense approach to enhance specific physical capacities and sport skills to elevate one’s competitive ability relative to one’s developmental stage. Dr. Moreno discusses potential concerns and considerations, and sport sampling on today's episode.

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Resources

Sport Specializing | Handout

Episode 8, Trends in Youth Fitness

Guests: Avery Faignbaum, Ed.D., FACSM, Rhodri Lloyd, Ph.D., and Jon Oliver, Ph.D.

ACSM has named "youth athletic development" to No. 9 fitness trend for 2024:

"The #9 trend represents an approach to youth training that focuses on developing motor skills, strength, and coordination. There is a rise in training facilities and programs designed to improve confidence, develop social skills, and enhance sports performance. Children and adolescents learn basic movement patterns and prepare for skill acquisition. Exercise professionals should consider continuing education or specialty training when working with this special population."

Youth fitness researchers and experts Avery Faignbaum, Ed.D., FACSM, Rhodri Lloyd, Ph.D., and Jon Oliver, Ph.D., are authors of ACSM's Essentials of Youth Fitness book, and the brand new Youth Fitness Specialist certificate course. 

Today these three experts join the podcast to talk about the current state of youth fitness, and why it's been gaining interest over the last several years. 

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Learn more about the book, ACSM's Essentials for Youth Fitness

Learn more about the online certificate course for ACSM's Youth Fitness Specialist

This episode's conversation with Andy Gillham, Ph.D., performance psychology coach at Sanford Sports, covers a number of topics related to applied and clinical performance psychology, including:

• The differences between applied and clinicial performance psychology, including key training differences in the two disciplices and what populations benefit from each,
• Mental health challenges in today's youth and adolescent athletes, and how parents and coaches can help,
• Six (6) ways for sports mental health professionals to work with young athletes and their parents/guardians.

Bio: Dr. Gillham works primarily with coaches and athletic administrators on improving systematic coach evaluation and provides targeted professional development opportunities for coaches and programs. He has helped athletes and coaches ranging from youth through professional, as well as administrators and business executives in Canada and the United States to improve their performance. In addition to his applied work, Dr. Gillham has published more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed academic journals on performance psychology.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tom Kane, a member of ACSM's Strategic Health Initiative on Youth Sports & Health, to explore the complex landscape of parental involvement in youth and adolescent sports. With his extensive background in public health, physical activity and sports, Tom sheds light on the impact of parental involvement, both positive and negative, and offers insights into what constitutes normal, appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

Tom delves into the concept of Achievement by Proxy Disorder, highlighting real-life examples of when parental involvement crosses the line and becomes detrimental to the young athlete's well-being. Drawing from his expertise, Tom also provides practical steps and strategies to minimize inappropriate parental involvement and foster a healthy sports environment for youth and adolescents.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives and guidance on how to navigate the delicate balance of parental involvement in youth and adolescent sports. Join us for an enlightening conversation that aims to empower and educate all stakeholders involved in youth sports.

Guest bio:  Tom Kane, J.D., MPH, MS, completed an epidemiology track Masters of Public Health degree from The George Washington University and a Masters degree in exercise science and health promotion with a concentration in sport psychology from Pennsylvania Western University. Tom holds elected positions with the Physical Activity and Mental Health Sections of the American Public Health Association and is the President of the District of Columbia Public Health Association. He has earned the Certified in Public Health certification from the National Board of Public Health Examiners and the Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Physical Activity Society.

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In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports podcast, we are joined by Dr. Thomas Kern, a distinguished sports medicine physician from Tulsa, OK. Dr. Kern specializes in managing multiple teams as a primary care sports medicine physician within a sports medicine fellowship. He brings his expertise from the Center for Concussion at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, where he cares for concussion patients across all levels, from youth sports to professional athletes.

In this episode, we dive into the world of concussions, focusing on the importance of rest after a concussion and how it differs between youth and adult athletes. Dr. Kern shares tips on when it's safe to return to school and get back to activities, as well as when to start exercising again. We also chat about common mistakes that can slow down an athlete's return to play and what to do if progress seems slower than expected.

Whether you're a parent, athlete, or healthcare provider, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you navigate concussion recovery in youth sports. Tune in and learn how to support young athletes as they recover and get back to doing what they love. 

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Additional Resources:

ACSM Resources on Sport-Related Concussion

Selected Issues in Sport-Related Concussion for the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement, published in Current Sports Medicine Reports (2021)

In this episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we welcome Stephen Borelli, the sports parenting columnist for USA Today, to delve into the pressing issue of high dropout rates in youth sports. Join us as we discuss the factors contributing to this trend and explore practical solutions to keep kids engaged and active.

Our conversation is inspired by Borelli's recent insightful USA Today article, which sheds light on why 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13. We'll explore his 10 points of advice for managing these challenges, emphasizing the importance of promoting athletics for healthy habits and ensuring that sports remain enjoyable, rather than solely a pathway to scholarships or professional careers.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or sports administrator, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to create a positive and sustainable youth sports environment. Tune in for expert insights and actionable strategies to address the youth sports dropout dilemma.

Read more of Stephen's articles here.

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Understanding Exercise Physiology for the Diabetic Youth Athlete

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Healthy Youth Sports podcast with special guest Dr. Sheri Colberg-Ochs, a leading expert in physical activity and exercise in people with diabetes. Dr. Colberg-Ochs shares her expertise on how the body responds physiologically to different types of sports and activities in diabetic youth.

In this episode, we explore the body's energy systems and their impact on exercise, how to identify which energy system is being used, and why this is crucial for youth athletes with diabetes. Dr. Colberg-Ochs also discusses the role of carbohydrates and fats in exercise, offering insights into the best dietary practices for these young athletes.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode provides valuable information on optimizing performance and managing diabetes through a better understanding of exercise physiology.

Guest bio: Sheri Colberg-Ochs, Ph.D., FACSM, is is a world-renowned expert in physical activity and exercise in people with diabetes. She's a professor emerita of exercise science from Old Dominion University, an author of 12 books and hundreds of book chapters, articles and blogs, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and the 2016 recipient of the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Educator in Diabetes award.

5 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Exercise

Joining us again today is Dr. Sheri Colberg-Ochs, a renowned expert in physical activity and exercise in people with diabetes, who shares five key things that people with diabetes should know about exercise. In this episode, we delve into the science behind how exercise impacts blood glucose levels and address some common misconceptions. Dr. Colberg-Ochs explains why exercise doesn't always immediately lower blood glucose, while it can have significant long-lasting effects. She also discusses the importance of building muscle mass for youth with diabetes and the positive benefits of incorporating recess and activity breaks in schools.

We also discuss ACSM's Exercise is Medicine program, highlighting its role in promoting exercise as a key element in managing diabetes and overall health. Whether you're managing diabetes or simply looking to stay active, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the relationship between exercise and diabetes.

Guest bio: Sheri Colberg-Ochs, Ph.D., FACSM, is a world-renowned expert in physical activity and exercise in people with diabetes. She's a professor emerita of exercise science from Old Dominion University, an author of 12 books and hundreds of book chapters, articles, and blogs, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and the 2016 recipient of the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Educator in Diabetes award.

Join us on The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast for an inspiring episode with Nailah Coleman, M.D., F.A.A.P., FACSM, as she shares valuable insights on starting a habit of regular physical activity in children. Dr. Coleman discusses how this can lead to a lifetime of physical activity, health, and fitness.

Join us on The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Karin Pfeiffer, Ph.D., FACSM, Director of the Michigan State University Institute for the Study of Youth Sports and NYSHSI Leadership Board member. In this episode, we delve into the current events of women's college basketball and celebrate the stardom of today's top athletes.

We explore how these athletes' success is built on strong foundations laid by coaches, parents, caregivers, and family, emphasizing the importance of mental approach and athletic development. Dr. Pfeiffer introduces the three NYSHSI pledges: The ATHLETE PLEDGE, PARENT PLEDGE, and YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATION PLEDGE, discussing their unique roles in developing young athletes.

We also address the critical responsibility of youth sports organizations to provide safe environments for athletes to grow and enjoy their sport. Whether you're a parent, coach, or sports administrator, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering positive sports behavior and creating supportive environments for young athletes. Don't miss this important discussion on modeling great sportsmanship!

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Download Youth Sports Orgnaization Pledge

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Join us for an insightful episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast with Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM, a world-renowned expert in physical activity and exercise for individuals with diabetes. Dr. Colberg returns to discuss the unique challenges and considerations for girls and women who are both athletic and diabetic.

In this episode titled "Being Female, Athletic, and Diabetic," we explore how exercise differs for females with diabetes, including the ages at which these differences start to become noticeable. Dr. Colberg sheds light on how monthly cycles can impact sports performance and examines the anatomical differences between the sexes that affect physical activity. Additionally, we delve into other specific concerns that female youth and adolescent athletes face, which are often not issues for their male counterparts.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for supporting female athletes with diabetes. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these important topics and learn how to help female athletes thrive in their sports and manage their diabetes effectively.

Be sure to check out our previous two conversions with Dr. Colberg in episode 13 "Understanding Exercise Physiology for the Diabetic Youth Athlete" and episode 14, "5 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Exercise."

Guest bio: Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM, is a world-renowned expert in physical activity and exercise in people with diabetes. She's a professor emerita of exercise science from Old Dominion University, an author of 12 books and hundreds of book chapters, articles, and blogs, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and the 2016 recipient of the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Educator in Diabetes award.

Additional resources

Dr. Colberg's blog: diabetesinmotion.com

"The competitive athlete with type 1 diabetes" published in Diabetologia, 2020

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Join us for an enlightening episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast as we discuss "The Importance of Sleep for Young Athletes" with Holly Benjamin, M.D., FACSM, a distinguished expert in pediatric sports medicine. Dr. Benjamin is a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, and Director, Primary Care Sports Medicine at UChicago Medicine.

In this episode, we explore the critical role of sleep in the overall health and well-being of young athletes. Dr. Benjamin shares insights on how sleep affects academic performance, mental and emotional health, physical health, and athletic performance. We also discuss the benefits of napping and practical tips for maintaining good sleep hygiene.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode provides valuable information on optimizing sleep to enhance health, academic success, and athletic performance. Tune in to learn why sleep is a key component in the development and success of young athletes.

How Important is Sleep for My Young Athlete? | Downloadable Handout

Join us for an essential episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast as we explore "Optimal Nutrition for Youth Athletes" with Dr. Jennifer Sacheck, a renowned expert in nutrition and exercise science from The George Washington University. Dr. Sacheck shares her insights on how young athletes can meet the demands of growth, development, and increased physical activity through proper nutrition.

In this episode, we cover:

1. A high-level background on nutrition for youth athletes.
2. Caloric (energy) needs to support both growth and physical activity.
3. What to eat: an in-depth look at macronutrients—carbohydrates, protein, and fat—and their food sources.
4. When to eat: strategies for fueling pre-exercise, during exercise, and post-exercise/recovery.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode provides valuable guidance on optimizing nutrition to enhance performance and support healthy development. Tune in to learn how to fuel young athletes for success both on and off the field.

Guest: Jennifer Sacheck, Ph.D., MS, FACSM
Sanofi Professor of Prevention and Wellness
Chair | Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Director, PhD Program in Exercise Physiology & Applied Nutrition
Milken Institute School of Public Health
The George Washington University

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Female wrestling is on the rise, and with that comes a host of challenges in maintaining the health and safety of these athletes. Today's guests are Kira Blum and Dr. Lisa Woodroffe of the University of Iowa Athletics Department, who bring their expertise and experience to this important conversation.

The episode is centered around the article "Contemporary Issue: Health and Safety of Female Wrestlers," recently published in ACSM's Current Sports Medicine Reports, covering:

1. The current state of women's wrestling, including the increasing number of states sanctioning girls' high school wrestling and the collegiate-level programs available in the United States.
2. The protocols for determining Minimum Wrestling Weight (MWW), with a focus on the rationale for setting the limit at 12% body fat.
3. An exploration of the limitations associated with current body fat assessment methods.
4. Key points and questions raised in the article, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and considerations in ensuring the health and safety of female wrestlers.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of women's wrestling and the essential measures needed to protect and support female athletes in this sport. Tune in to understand the intricacies of wrestling weight protocols, the importance of proper nutrition, and the role of safe practices in promoting a healthy sports environment for female wrestlers.

Guests: Kira Blum, RDN, LC, Director of Sports Nutrition, University of Iowa Athletics Department, and Lisa Woodroffe, M.D., CAQSM, team physician, University of Iowa Athletics Department

Read the related blog post: Safer Weight Certification for Female Wrestlers by Andrew Jagim, Ph.D.

In this episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we're joined by William Adams, Ph.D., ATC, FACSM, Associate Director of Sports Medicine Research at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Dr. Adams shares his expertise on heat illness and hydration, essential topics for keeping high school athletes safe.

We delve into:

• Heat Illness: An overview of common heat illnesses seen in athletic settings and the progression from mild to potentially life-threatening conditions.
• Risk Reduction: Practical strategies to reduce the risk of heat illness during physical activity and the warning signs athletes, coaches, and supervisors should watch for.
• Health & Safety: Key actions that high schools can take to ensure their athletes participate safely, along with insights into the current landscape of health and safety policies across the U.S.
• Policy Barriers: A look at the challenges in adopting and implementing health and safety policies for high school sports and why national-level policies are lacking.
• State Leadership: Highlighting states that are leading the way in athlete safety and successful collaborations between schools and community health organizations.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with critical information to help you navigate the complexities of heat safety and overall health policies in high school sports. Tune in to learn how to keep athletes safe and thriving.

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Brent Nicoson, head women’s golf coach at Grand Canyon University, shares valuable insights for youth golf coaches and parents. We discuss essential coaching philosophies, key skills for young golfers, and the importance of role models and mentorship. Brent also covers the balance between physical and mental preparation, investment in golf development, and how to ensure young athletes enjoy the game for years to come. Tune in for practical advice to help your young golfer succeed!

In this episode of The Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we dive into "The Essential Role of the Athletic Trainer" with Terry DeWitt, PhD, AT, ACSM-EP, Professor and Chair of the Department of Kinesiology at Ouachita Baptist University. Dr. DeWitt sheds light on the critical role athletic trainers play in safeguarding the health and well-being of student-athletes, both physically and mentally.

We discuss how athletic trainers differ from other sports-related professionals, the importance of having an athletic trainer available for middle and high school programs, and the common injuries they encounter. Dr. DeWitt also addresses the challenges schools face when they cannot afford full-time athletic trainers and explores practical solutions, including partnerships with healthcare systems, to ensure athletes receive quality care.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and school administrators who want to understand how athletic trainers contribute to the safety and success of youth sports programs.

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Andrew Gregory, MD, FACSM, joins us to explore how parents and coaches can help prevent overuse injuries in young athletes. We dive into the difference between overuse and acute injuries, the most common types of overuse injuries, and the risk factors that make young athletes vulnerable—especially early specialization in a single sport.

Dr. Gregory shares evidence-based prevention strategies, including the importance of rest and recovery, strength training, and proper technique. We also discuss how coaches play a crucial role in injury prevention, and the importance of open communication between parents, coaches, and athletes.

Whether you're a parent or coach, this episode offers essential insights to keep young athletes healthy, active, and injury-free.

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Thayne Munce to discuss a groundbreaking applied sports science research study titled "Beyond the Turf: Data-Driven Athlete Health." Dr. Munce and his team are utilizing innovative FieldTurf technology to collect real-time data from high school football players, providing actionable insights for coaches and athletes while gathering millions of deidentified data points.

Through the SmartTeam project, this "living laboratory" model is already proving its value by shedding light on athletic performance, injury risks, and how data-driven approaches can improve athlete safety and well-being. Though still in its pilot phase, the study has shown tremendous promise for broader application in sports settings.

Tune in to explore how the future of sports science is taking shape on the field and how data can revolutionize athlete health management.

Perfect for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and sports performance!

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In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we sit down with Carrie Jaworski, MD, FAAFP, FACSM, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine, to explore a growing challenge in youth sports—overscheduling. As young athletes juggle competitive sports, academics, and personal lives, the pressure to perform on all fronts can lead to burnout and negatively impact their well-being.

Dr. Jaworski sheds light on:

• Signs of overscheduling and its effects on physical, mental, and emotional health.
• How academic performance can suffer under the weight of packed schedules.
• The roles parents, coaches, and athletes play—often unintentionally—in creating unsustainable routines.

Dr. Jaworski also shares practical strategies for parents to prevent overscheduling and tips for coaches to find the right balance between practice and competition. She discusses the importance of teaching young athletes to manage their own schedules and advocate for their needs.

Tune in to hear Dr. Jaworski’s insights on how we can foster a healthier youth sports culture that prioritizes balance, wellbeing and long-term enjoyment for our athletes.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers essential advice for navigating the challenges of today’s demanding sports environment.

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we’re joined by Lauren Butler, DPT, and Nick Garcia to explore the current state and future of recreational sports. Drawing on insights from Dr. Butler's recent article published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, we discuss whether recreational sports have become a relic of the past or could be a solution for the future of youth athletics.

We explore the decline in recreational sports in favor of club sports, including the impact this shift has had on kids' physical, social, and emotional well-being. Dr. Butler and Garcia share insights on high dropout rates in youth sports, early specialization, and rising injury concerns, and discuss the key benefits of recreational sports, from skill development to pure enjoyment.

Our conversation dives into the challenges facing recreational sports programs, including funding and staffing limitations, community support, and the need for public policy changes to support growth. By redefining recreational sports, we discuss how parents, communities, and organizations can work together to reshape youth sports and bring back a culture of fun, inclusive, and accessible athletic experiences for kids.

Tune in to learn practical solutions and strategies that could help reenergize recreational sports and encourage lifelong physical activity.

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