Kids and Sport

I spoke the other day at a conference looking at the emerging athlete and it is an area that I am passionate about. Too often coaches lose sight of the athlete and forget about the long term picture so it was nice to try and get my message across. I think that it is imperative if you are working with young athletes that you

• Realise that they have many competing interests - school, friends etc
• Dont forget the athlete that may only be losing because of size - people grow at different stages and rates
• Work with all your athletes not just the ones performing well now
• Never forget success as a junior does not guarentee adult success in fact it is probably detrimental
• Look at the entire athlete and get people nto help you if you are not and expert in certain areas (nutrition, strength etc)
• LET THEM ENJOY THE JOURNEY
• allow them to do other sports early specialisation is a killer