On April 1st, 2024, I made a bold announcement on social media: my upcoming book, Why It Took So Long to Fix Youth Sports, would tackle the pressing issues plaguing young athletes. Spoiler alert: youth sports aren't fixed; far from it. Yet, the response from my humble, yet engaged network was telling. People clamored for answers, eager to understand why progress in fixing youth sports has been so slow.
As someone who has worn many hats in the world of sports – player, parent, official, coach, board member, volunteer, physical literacy expert and athlete development specialist – I realized the April Fool’s Day joke was on me. I had to write this book, with the updated title Why It’s Taking So Long To Fix Youth Sports. Each chapter aims to peel back the layers, revealing the barriers hindering progress and why solutions have been so elusive.
My hope is that by sharing these revelations, we can collectively understand the complexities of youth sports and, most importantly, pave a path toward a brighter, fairer future for our young participants. This book is for those who still believe in the transformative power of youth sports to shape individuals, communities and nations and have the perseverance to fight for it - for all.
It is responsible to acknowledge that there are indeed individuals and organizations in youth sports who are dedicated to doing good and great things for young athletes. These individuals include parents, educators, coaches, administrators, volunteers and community leaders who work tirelessly to create positive experiences, promote holistic development and foster a love for sports among youth. We need these servant leaders to become the norm vs the exception.
The adage "See Something, Say Something" takes on a profound significance in this context. It's a call to action, a rallying cry for all those who recognize the urgency of the situation. Each of us has a role to play, a voice to raise and a responsibility to advocate for the well-being and development of our youth. This book is a no nonsense audit of the gaps and opportunities for better quality sport.
CAD : bit.ly/fixyouthsports
USA : bit.ly/fixyouthsports
