Youth $ports

Top 6 Parenting Mistakes That Cause Kids to Quit Sports

Episode 35: Asia Mape (4-time Emmy Award winning journalist and Sports Television producer, Founder of "I Love To Watch You Play" blog)
In this episode, I sit down with Asia Mape, a sports media veteran turned youth sports advocate, to discuss the biggest mistakes parents make, the changing culture of youth sports, and how we can do better.
🔹 From the Olympics to Youth Sports – Mape’s career covering five Olympics, multiple NBA playoffs, Super Bowls, and more gave her a front-row seat to elite athletes—but nothing prepared her for the world of youth sports parenting.
🔹 Lessons Learned the Hard Way – Mape has made mistakes as a youth sports parent, and now her mission is to help others navigate this tricky season of life.
🔹 Founder of “I Love to Watch You Play” – Her platform is a safe space for parents to learn, reflect, and reshape how they approach their child’s sports journey.
🔹 “Top 6 Parenting Mistakes That Cause Kids to Quit Sports” – Mape’s viral article breaks down the frighteningly accurate mistakes parents make—and how they contribute to the current youth sports madness.
🔹 Sifting Through the Chaos – With so much pressure and misinformation in youth sports, how can parents find the good and focus on what truly matters?
🔹 The Rise of the “Me First” Mentality – Parents and athletes are bringing an individual mindset into team sports, making the experience harder for everyone involved.
🔹 Protecting Your Child’s Love for the Game – Be a safe landing spot. Don’t let your child’s joy be stolen by pressure, over-coaching, or unrealistic expectations. There’s beauty in the struggle.
🔹 And of course… MORE Hot Takes!
If you're a youth sports parent, coach, or just love a good discussion on the evolving landscape of kids’ athletics, this one is a must-listen!

Magic Formula

Episode 34 : Shae Robertson (Former Ohio University Soccer Player, Current coach/trainer)
In this episode, I sit down with Shae Robertson, former All-American and Ohio University standout, to discuss what it really takes to reach the next level—and why so many parents are asking the wrong questions.
🔹 From Player to Coach – Now on the other side of the game, Robertson quickly jumped into coaching and training young athletes, gaining a whole new perspective on youth sports.
🔹 The “Magic Formula” Myth – Parents constantly ask, “What did you do to become a D1 player?” But the truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all path.
🔹 The Secret to Her Success? PLAY. – Forget endless private sessions and expensive training programs—Robertson credits her backyard games, pickup matches, and pure love for the sport as the real key to her development.
🔹 What If the Magic Formula Is Simply Loving the Game? – The best players aren’t always the ones who train the most, but the ones who can’t get enough of the sport—on their own terms.
🔹 The Pressure of Being "The Star" – As her former club and high school coach, we take a trip down memory lane, discussing what it was like to carry the weight of high expectations.
🔹 Navigating the Recruiting Process – Robertson shares honest advice for young athletes and parents trying to navigate the college soccer landscape.
🔹 The Harsh Reality of College Athletics – College sports aren’t always the dream people imagine. It’s hard. It’s not always fun. And it takes a serious toll on the body.
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES!
If you're chasing a college soccer dream—or just curious about what it really takes—this episode is a must-listen!

The Good in Sports

Episode 33: Melissa Harper (CEO/Co-founder of Good Sports)
In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Harper from Good Sports, an organization dedicated to breaking down financial barriers in youth sports. If you’ve ever wondered why so many kids are being priced out of athletics, this conversation is a must-listen.
🔹 From 500 Basketballs to $110 Million in Donations – What started as a U-Haul full of equipment has turned into a national movement helping 10 million kids gain access to sports.
🔹 The Mission: Equity in Youth Sports – Good Sports is working to level the playing field, ensuring that all kids—not just those from wealthy families—have access to the gear and opportunities they need.
🔹 The Hidden Barriers Keeping Kids Out – It’s not always about travel teams or club fees. Some kids can’t play simply because they don’t have a sports bra, cleats, or basic equipment to practice.
🔹 Even Fundraising Isn’t Equal – Not every family has time to sell wrapping paper or the means to write a check to cover costs. The fundraising gap only widens the divide in youth sports.
🔹 The Cost of Sports Is Driving Families Away – Good Sports conducted a survey, and the results are alarming:
90% of parents say sports lead to positive outcomes for their kids.
But 75% have considered pulling their kids from sports due to financial stress.
🔹 Not Just a Low-Income Issue – Families across all socioeconomic levels are feeling the pressure. The rising costs of sports aren’t just affecting underserved communities anymore.
🔹 The Decline of Local Sports & PE – With parks & rec budgets cut and PE programs disappearing, the only options left are expensive "elite" clubs—which aren’t just for elite athletes anymore.
🔹 How to Take Action – Change starts at the local level. Even small efforts can have a massive impact—but we have to act NOW before more kids miss out on the life-changing benefits of sports.
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES!
This is an urgent conversation about the future of youth sports—and what we can do to fix it. Don't miss this one!

Swinging For The Fences

Episode 32: Jordan Vorbrink (Former WKU Softball player)
In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Vorbrink, a former University of Louisville softball commit, to break down the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of the youth softball world.
🔹 Committing to College… as a Freshman?! – Vorbrink locked in her spot at Louisville as a high school freshman. Did it relieve pressure or just put a bigger target on her back?
🔹 The Cost of Playing Softball – Travel. Equipment. Tournament fees. Many players had to travel with teammates or compete without family in the stands because the sport is simply too expensive.
🔹 Is Softball Rightfully #3 on the “Craziest Youth Sports” List? – Vorbrink gives her take on where softball ranks in the world of youth sports insanity. Spoiler: It deserves the spot.
🔹 Softball Parents Are Built Different – Keeping their own stats, yelling at umpires, claiming “their seat” at every game… Why are softball parents some of the wildest?
🔹 The “Ring Culture” Is Out of Control – Vorbrink weighs in on the obsession with tournament rings in softball and baseball.
🔹 The Objectivity of Softball – Unlike some other sports, stats don’t lie. If you’re the best, your numbers back it up—leaving less room for parent complaints.
🔹 Pitcher = Quarterback? – In both softball and football, one position can dictate the entire team’s success. Does this lead to parents jockeying for their child to be “the star” pitcher at young ages?
🔹 Burnout Is Real – Youth softball emphasizes game after game after game—but is that leading to fewer players sticking with the sport by high school?
🔹 Life After Sports: Welcome to NARP Life – What happens when you stop being an athlete after it’s been your identity for years? There’s even a term for it: “NARP” (Non-Athletic Regular Person).
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES! – Vorbrink absolutely destroys a beloved sports movie—tune in to find out which one!
If you’ve ever been around youth softball—or just love a wild sports discussion—this episode is a must-listen!

Once, Twice, Three Times a Guest

Episode 31: Jordan Parker (3-time podcast guest and champion of the Most Downloaded Episode)
In this episode, we welcome back Jordan Parker for his third appearance on the Youth $ports Podcast! Jordan’s the reigning MVP of our most downloaded episodes, and once again, he’s bringing the Hottest Hot Takes.
🔹 Exploring the “Talent Pocket” Phenomenon – Why do certain places produce top athletes in specific sports or positions? Jordan dives into the concept of “Talent Pockets” and we explore examples like:
Louisiana’s wide receivers
Liverpool and Manchester soccer players
Jamaica’s sprintersWhat makes these regions so successful at developing athletes in these areas?
🔹 The Impact of Local Heroes – One theory behind these Talent Pockets is the exposure kids get to their local heroes. The athletes kids grow up idolizing might influence what sports they choose, shaping these “hot spots” of talent.
🔹 Youth Sports & The Business World – Ally draws an interesting parallel between youth sports and the business world. Just like self-made millionaires, athletes who grow up working for their success often have a different work ethic than those who inherit their opportunities.
🔹 The Athlete Who Wants It Most Wins – You’re never going to beat the kid who chooses to play the sport they love above all else. Passion and dedication often outshine natural talent.
🔹 The Lack of Women in Coaching – Midway through the episode, we shift gears to talk about the challenges women face in coaching. Why is it so tough for women to break into and stay in coaching? We discuss potential ways to remove barriers and how representation matters for women in leadership roles in sports.
🔹 Story Time: My Tarot Card Reading Experience – Don’t miss my wild story from a New Orleans Tarot Card reading. You’ll never guess what happened next! 🔮
🔹 The Weirdness We Don’t Realize – In this Hottest Hot Takes segment, Jordan and I discuss quirks you don’t even realize are “weird” until you live with someone else. You won’t believe some of the things we reveal about ourselves!
It’s an episode filled with thought-provoking discussions, laughs, and, of course, MORE HOT TAKES. Don’t miss this one!

D-1 or Bust: Is It A Must?

Episode 30 (Mary Martin Hampton, Centre College Women's Soccer player who started her career at Univ. of Florida)
In this episode, I sit down with Hampton, who shares her incredible journey from starting on the 3rd level soccer team at age 10 to reaching the top level by high school and playing Division 1 soccer.
🔹 A Journey of Progress – Not every kid makes the top team at a young age, and Hampton is the perfect example. She worked her way up through determination and hard work, showing that growth takes time.
🔹 The Reality of Long-Term Development – Some kids reach their potential later than others, and that’s okay. Athleticism often surpasses skill as the key to long-term success, especially as kids develop.
🔹 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation – Hampton strongly advocates for playing multiple sports through high school. It helps avoid burnout, provides cross-training, and teaches important life skills like time management and communication.
🔹 High School Soccer Love – “I loved high school soccer so much...You couldn’t have paid me to NOT play.” Hampton reminisces about the unique joy of high school sports and why it’s a time to cherish, not just for future college aspirations.
🔹 The "D1 or Bust" Mentality – The pressure of thinking you need to be Division 1-bound can be overwhelming. Hampton shares how she wishes she hadn’t been so narrow-minded in the recruiting process, and how she learned to trust her own path.
🔹 The Realities of D-1 Athletics – Once she made it to D-1 soccer, Hampton quickly realized that everyone was the best at their previous teams. D-1 athletics isn’t just about loving the game, it’s a 24/7 commitment and a whole different level of dedication.
🔹 Finding Your True Place – Feeling homesick and realizing something was missing, Hampton shares how she ultimately found the right place for her—a reminder to listen to your heart and not just the pressure from others.
🔹 Advice for Younger Players – Hampton offers advice to younger athletes going through the college recruitment process, stressing the importance of keeping an open mind and staying true to yourself.
🔹 And, of course... More HOT TAKES! – You won’t want to miss these piping hot takes that will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.
A must-listen for young athletes and parents navigating the pressure of youth sports and recruitment!

A Disappearing Middle Class

Episode 29: Chris Dardano (Soccer Coach, Soccer Dad, Former Club Admin.)
In this episode, I sit down with Chris Dardano, who shares his extensive experience and unique perspective from the world of youth soccer.
🔹 Where Does the Money Go? – A seemingly simple question, but Dardano gives a complicated answer. He breaks down the financial trail in youth soccer, explaining where your fees actually end up.
🔹 The Disappearing Middle Class in Youth Soccer – With the watering down of recreational leagues, many resources are being diverted to club teams, but at what cost? Dardano discusses the decline of quality in recreational soccer and the shift toward more elite club programs.
🔹 The Ripple Effect of Fewer Rec Options – As recreational soccer opportunities shrink, more families are turning to club soccer, creating a bigger gap in quality. This shift leads to a lower quality product overall.
🔹 The Need for Quality Coaches and Facilities – For a middle-class, quality club/rec option to thrive, Dardano stresses the importance of having quality coaches and well-maintained facilities. Unfortunately, many top coaches are drawn to elite programs, leaving the middle tier underfunded and lacking.
🔹 The Decline of Local Youth Sports Leagues – Youth sports leagues aren't as localized as they used to be, leading to challenges in facility management, travel logistics, and community involvement. This shift has impacted the overall quality and accessibility of programs.
🔹 Volunteerism and Fundraising Struggles – These days, fewer people are willing to volunteer or fundraise at the grassroots level. Many would rather Venmo their way out of it, contributing to a growing disconnect between families and local youth sports programs.
🔹 Youth Sports as a Toll Booth – Dardano offers perhaps his most intriguing take: Youth sports have increasingly become like a toll booth, where parents are paying for access but aren’t always sure where their money is going or what it’s actually funding.
🔹 And of course... MORE HOT TAKES! – You’ll definitely want to tune in for some spicy opinions that will make you rethink the state of youth sports today.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the economic side of youth sports and how it’s affecting the development of young athletes!

2024 Youth $ports Wrapped Edition

Episode 28: 2024 Youth $ports Wrapped Edition
This week, we're flipping the script and handing out some TROPHIES AND AWARDS to celebrate the first six months of the Youth $ports Podcast! 🏆
🔹 Top 10 Most Listened-to Episodes – We count down the top episodes that you, our listeners, couldn't get enough of. Find out which episodes earned the most attention!
🔹 The Most VIRAL Moments – We revisit the hottest moments that took the internet by storm. From unforgettable quotes to wild takes, these are the moments everyone was talking about.
🔹 Most Touching Moments – We highlight the emotional and heartfelt episodes that resonated with listeners on a deeper level.
🔹 Youth $ports Pod Sweethearts – Who do our listeners love the most? We reveal which guests have earned the heartiest love from our audience.
🔹 Ranking the Top 10 Craziest Youth Sports – Everyone loves a good ranking, so we take on the task of listing the top 10 craziest sports.
🔹 Teasers for Future Episodes & Guests – Get the scoop on what’s coming next! We tease some exciting future guests and topics you won’t want to miss.
🔹 The Hottest of the Hot Takes – As always, we wrap things up with the most piping hot takes from the podcast so far. You’ll hear bold opinions that have sparked discussion among our listeners.
...And of course, much more to keep the conversation going!

The Times Are Changing

Episode 27: Dr. Bob Dranoff (Former D-2 East Coast Conference Athletic Commissioner, Current graduate professor at St. John's University)
- Both at the youth sports AND collegiate level, sports are more commercialized than ever. 
- A focus on making rules and regulations that only benefit the "elite of the elite."
- Trickle down effect of some new rule changes in college athletics with revenue sharing, NIL, scholarship limitations and roster changes. Will universities have to make tough decisions about cutting programs, how much funding to provide, etc? We haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg yet with some of this stuff...
- The trickle down effect. When one thing in a system changes, it inevitably effects everyone at every level in some way. 
- If the scholarships and secondary sports at universities begin to get cut or receive less funding, does that impact sports at the youth level? Do people scale back because this financial pay off at the end of a scholarship no longer exists? Or do people just become even MORE competitive for those limited spots?
- College enrollment is down all over the country. How does this impact collegiate sports?
- Are some smaller schools using athletes to boost enrollment? Do parents and kids see through this, or are they just happy to keep playing their sport?
- Is it disingenuous for D3 schools to be using athletics to get kids in the door and paying $60,000 a year because they just want to keep playing their sport? 
- Universities using new sports on the women's side, club side, etc. to boost enrollment. Provides more opportunities. Is that a bad thing for athletes?
- When we talk about D3 sports, in some ways it is a continuation of the "pay to play" model we see at the youth levels. 
- Dranoff has spent a lot of time researching how we teach leadership to athletes. And the finding in many cases is... We don't. It's dependent on individual coaches and leadership styles. 
- The alarming statistics around dropout rates in youth sports (70%!!!! of kids involved in team youth sports drop out by 13)
- We focus so much on individual improvement and success in sports at the expense of learning what it means to have a ROLE on a team. 
- While many of us see the "problems" plaguing youth sports... our involvement with it is finite. Are people really willing to rock the boat, or change the system, when they have a kid who is only part of it for a short time? 
- And a holiday HOT TAKE!

The $hip Has $ailed

Episode 26: Aaron Flaker (Former President/Co-owner and Co-founder of JAM Brands, current Co-Owner of Athletx Sports Group)
- Flaker discusses his intro into the world of cheer (spoiler alert: He started out as a mascot!)
- The history behind how cheerleading has undergone a MASSIVE transformation through the years...
- Cheer has all of the markers of every other sport/competition, but the unique addition of aesthetics. 
- The incredible story behind Flaker's first business venture, which grew into one of the largest cheer events in the world (Jam Fest turned Jam Brands)
- Digging into the nature of dance/cheer competitions and the seemingly 438439 different divisions at each competition. Do people even care if the competition is legit, or are they just happy to claim they are "national champions?"
- Smart people have recognized that the world of youth sports is a business. We don't get mad at other enterprises for capitalizing on the demand. Why do we get mad at those making money off youth sports?
- Are we running the risk of pricing parents out of youth sports?
- Maybe we will forever and always romanticize youth sports... But is the vision of what we remember it to be the reality today?
- And of course... MORE PIPING HOT TAKES