Resources for Parents

Free resources for New Sports Parents, Returning Sports Parents, and High Performance Parents

New Sports Parents

The Importance of Movement:
"Movement is how kids learn and develop. Movement is more than exercise, more than sports, more than fitness. Movement helps kids learn sports skills, yes, but movement also helps kids increase self-awareness, non-verbal communication, and social and emotional growth. Active kids learn better, improve memory, and pay
attention better.” - Rick Howard NSCA

Why is sport participation on the decline? What’s my role?

1. Lack of Free Play → Learn More

2. Marginalization of Physical Education → Learn More

3. Decreased competence of fundamental movement skills → Learn More

4. Early Sport Specialization → Learn More

5. Technology → Learn More

6. Cost

How do I determine what sport(s) to enrol my kid in?

1. No right answer, let them try as many as possible

2. Pick a sport that may suit their personality

3. Try both individual and team sports

4. Sports that provide a quality sports experience

5. Sports that provide opportunities for participation and performance

Learn more

Additional Video Resources from Experienced Parents

Gordon MacLelland

Gordon is the CEO and founder of Working with Parents in Sport (WWPIS). He has 20 years of experience in coaching and education, having coached all age ranges from 7 year olds to adults. Gordon is the author of "Great Sports Parenting" and "Engage - How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Players' Parents".

Gordon's LinkedIn | WWPIS's Facebook | WWPIS's Twitter | More about Gordon

Dr. Mariana Brussoni

Mariana is an Associate Professor at UBC in the Department of Pediatrics and the School of Population and Public Health. In addition to being a risky play advocate, Mariana is the Research Lead at the Brussoni Lab at the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute.

Mariana's LinkedIn | Play Outside UBC's Facebook | Play Outside UBC's Twitter | More about Mariana

Dr. Tommy John

Tommy is the Founder of Dr. Tommy John Performance and Healing Center in San Diego, California. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic, specializing in soft tissue injuries. Tommy is also the author of "Minimize Injury, Maximize Performance", and he's a highly sought after speaker on the issues of early sport specialization.