How is Beth Jessop helping families navigate the youth sports learning curve?
One research organization has projected that the youth sports market in the United States will reach $78 billion by 2026. Even the most idealistic person would have difficulty denying that youth sports is big business. So, how does the average American family navigate this landscape?
My guest on this episode, Beth Jessop, is founder of Sports Parents United, whose motto is “Love first. Sports second.” Beth’s mission is to facilitate healthy participation in youth sport in which the young person is valued in totality, not just as an athletic performer. Sports Parents United provides valuable resources to families seeking to effectively navigate the youth sports learning curve.
In Episode 43, Beth discusses how her own experiences as a competitive athlete and a parent of young athletes inspired her to found and grow Sports Parents United. We explore the idea that young people need to take more ownership of their youth sport experiences in order to sustain participation past the age of 13 and into adulthood.
So, what was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Beth Jessop?
For me, parents must know how to model positive behaviors for young athletes rather than just saying the right things. Sports parenting is complex, emotional, and often leads adults to behave in a way that doesn’t align with their values.
My suggestion to sports parents is to be clear on your values when investing in your child’s sports experience. It is easy for all of us, myself included, to get caught up in the superficial elements of youth sports, such as our child’s performance and recognition within the community. However, we must remember that sports are merely a vehicle for building character for a lifetime.
I want to thank Beth for her kind generosity and the wisdom she shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.
You can learn more about Beth and Sports Parents United on Facebook and on their website at https://www.sportsparentsunited.com/.
To learn how mental performance coaching can help your mind work FOR you rather than AGAINST you, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.
Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 44!