Youth Sports Development Model
How to maximize individual development and team performance
Hi there,
You don’t have to choose between development and winning - you can have both.
“If you drive your kids to their game in a booster seat, you need to chill out”
I’ve spent 18 years coaching at the collegiate level in the United States and Canada and now I am moving through the grassroots levels with my sons. I am impressed at the commitment and passion of parent and non-parent volunteers that make our youth sports associations thrive.
I’ve learned there is pressure to professionalize the youth sports experience and an industry has been created to capitalize on it.
I offer reminders below that have been helpful for me and I hope provide a pause for reflection.
Stop Training Youth Athletes Like They Are Professionals
Play Other Sports and Respect the Seasons
Is Iceland Getting it Right?
Iceland has never performed better in elite sports since investing in grassroots sports.
Some hallmarks of the system:
No elite academies, no professional children athletes
All clubs member-owned and multi sports are encouraged
Considerable official financial support for grassroots sports but small official financial support for elite sports
No volunteer coaches for children, most are educated and ambitious
Children start at clubs at age 2–3, stay until 19–20
No selection where kids have to leave clubs, many ability levels, everyone can play
You stay in your local area, training with your friends and with your family involved in the club
Long Term Athlete Development for Parents
National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Long Term Athlete Development for Parents
We have a model to follow for the long term development of our athletes.
Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar
I am excited to announce that the 3rd Brock Badgers High Performance Coaching Seminar is on May 31st, 2025
Learn, share, and connect with coaches, scouts, managers and industry professionals from all ages, genders, and levels on the campus of Brock University in the beautiful Niagara region.
Speakers include coaches from Professional, CHL, USPORTS, NCAA and industry experts.
Click here for the 2023 and 2024 agenda including speakers and topics.
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023 and/or 2024 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
Cheers,
TJ Manastersky
Coaching Project
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