Raising Empowered Athletes: Winning Strategies for Peak Performers On and Off the Field

Raising Empowered Athletes is a timely and down-to-earth guide for parents navigating the difficult decisions and extraordinary pressures of youth sports, with an overarching goal of helping parents raise strong athletes and nurture great human beings who are empowered to succeed on and off the playing field.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Triumph Books

Navigating the Complex World of Youth Sports: A Timely and Practical Guide for Parents

The world of youth sports presents parents with a myriad of challenging decisions and extraordinary pressures. As parents, we are faced with questions such as when should our children start participating in sports, should they specialize in a particular sport, how should we handle situations where our children may not receive the playing time we believe they deserve, and how can we encourage our children without overwhelming them? Moreover, the ultimate goal is to ensure that our children not only reach their full potential on the playing field but also develop the necessary skills and qualities to succeed in life.

In response to these concerns, Raising Empowered Athletes offers a comprehensive and timely guide for parents navigating the complex world of youth sports. Authored by nationally recognized performance coach Kirsten Jones, a former Division I athlete herself, this book covers a wide range of topics relevant to parents.

The book begins by exploring the origins of today's hyper-competitive environment in youth sports. It sheds light on the factors that contribute to this environment and the impact it has on young athletes and their families. Kirsten Jones provides valuable insights into what parents should insist on for their children's earliest sports experiences, including the importance of finding the right coach, team, and league that aligns with their child's interests and abilities.

Furthermore, Raising Empowered Athletes delves into the world of club and travel teams, offering guidance on how to choose the right team, navigate the registration process, and manage the financial and time commitments associated with these teams. Kirsten Jones emphasizes the importance of finding a team that fosters a positive and supportive environment, where children can develop their skills and grow as individuals.

Family conversations and goal-setting are also crucial aspects of raising empowered athletes. Kirsten Jones provides practical tips and strategies for parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about their sports goals and aspirations. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic and achievable goals that align with the child's long-term development and well-being.

The book also addresses the transition to high school sports, which can be a significant milestone for young athletes. Kirsten Jones offers guidance on how to prepare children for this transition, including understanding the different levels of competition, developing a training plan, and managing the academic and athletic demands.

Raising Empowered Athletes is written in a conversational and compassionate style, making it accessible to parents, coaches, and administrators alike. The author's personal experiences and insights provide a relatable perspective, and the book's practical tips and strategies are grounded in research and evidence-based practices.

In conclusion, Navigating the Complex World of Youth Sports: A Timely and Practical Guide for Parents is a valuable resource for parents who want to support their children's athletic development while also nurturing their overall growth and well-being. By providing a comprehensive and practical guide, Raising Empowered Athletes empowers parents to make informed decisions and create a positive sports experience for their children. Whether you are a new parent navigating the world of youth sports or a seasoned parent seeking to enhance your parenting skills, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to raise empowered athletes.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637272817