Season 2- Episode 1- Building Confidence, Trying New Sports & Tackling Screen Time

In this episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Kirk Bowyer and Ben Russell dive into the importance of outdoor play, building confidence in children, and how to create positive sporting experiences for young people.

From overcoming the barriers that stop kids from trying new sports to understanding the impact of screen time on their development, Kirk and Ben share practical advice for parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about helping children enjoy being active.

The conversation also explores the growing popularity of paddle and pickleball, why the environment shapes kids’ enjoyment of sport, and how feedback from parents can improve sports programs and opportunities.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Why outdoor play builds skills, confidence, and resilience
• Overcoming barriers to trying new sports
• Screen time: balancing technology with active lifestyles
• The rise of paddle and pickleball as family-friendly sports
• Creating positive, pressure-free sporting environments
• How parent feedback can shape better sports programs

Packed with practical tips, real-life examples, and inspiring insights, this episode is all about helping kids build confidence, stay active, and develop a lifelong love for sport.

🌐 Learn more about Mini Athletics: Helping children build confidence, coordination, and a love of movement — www.miniathletics.com

📲 Follow us for more insights and updates:

Instagram & Facebook: @thegreatatsportpodcast

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review and help us grow a community where positive youth sport thrives.

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer

Guest: Sean Patrick, Educator & Author of The Emotional Shoes

In this inspiring episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer are joined by Sean Patrick—educator, coach, and author of The Emotional Shoes. Drawing on his experiences in both coaching and physical education, Sean offers a thoughtful take on how to build emotional strength, movement skills, and a lasting love of sport in young people.

The conversation explores the crucial early role parents play in shaping a child’s sporting journey, and how expectations—when not aligned with a child's needs—can quickly turn passion into pressure. Sean shares his philosophy on the importance of teaching movement before sport-specific skills, the role of PE in building positive associations with activity, and how competition should be a tool for growth, not just a measure of success.

Together, the trio unpacks Sean’s "Three E’s of Coaching"—expectations, energy, and effort—and why these simple principles can change the way kids experience sport. They also dive into his book The Emotional Shoes, which aims to help young athletes navigate the emotional ups and downs that come with competitive environments.

Key Takeaways:

• A parent’s influence can shape a child’s love for sport
• Movement is the foundation of all athletic development
• PE should emphasize fun, inclusion, and engagement
• The “Three E’s” of coaching help build healthy environments
• Unrealistic expectations can push kids away from sport
• Emotional skills are as important as physical ones in youth sport
• Early coaching should prioritize movement literacy
• Teaching kids to compete for personal growth builds resilience
• Parental support should uplift, not pressure
• Sport should be a space for joy, learning, and lifelong habits

Mini Athletics: Help your child build confidence and coordination through our fun, inclusive programs. Learn more at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Get stories, advice, and episode highlights on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review to help us grow a community where positive youth sport thrives.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport—where character, care, and creativity are always in play.

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer

Guest: Chris Little, Experienced Tennis Coach

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer are joined by Chris Little—a respected tennis coach known for his thoughtful, values-driven approach to youth sport. Together, they unpack the deeper layers of coaching philosophy, the evolving role of parents, and how visual learning tools can help young athletes thrive.

Chris introduces his four key pillars of coaching—energy, empathy, communication, and character—and explains how each contributes to a nurturing and effective environment for developing young players. The conversation touches on the balance between maintaining high standards and allowing for individual growth, why losing gracefully is a vital lesson, and how motivation can be sustained through purpose rather than pressure.

They also discuss the often-misunderstood role of parents in youth sport, the value of trusting coaches, and how visual tools like whiteboards can aid in better understanding and retention for children.

Key Takeaways:

• Coaching begins with energy and love for the game
• Empathy helps build trust and connection with young athletes
• Strong communication and meaningful relationships elevate performance
• Character and values should shape how children compete and grow
• Standards and performance are not the same—both have a place in development
• Visual aids can boost engagement and learning
• Learning to lose is just as important as learning to win
• Motivation thrives when driven by process, not just outcomes
• Parents should offer support without pressure
• Trust between parents and coaches creates a stronger sports experience

Mini Athletics: Discover how our fun and inclusive programs help children fall in love with sport at www.miniathletics.com

Follow Us: Get tips, stories, and updates on Instagram and Facebook @thegreatatsportpodcast

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, share your thoughts—it helps us grow the community and spread the message of positive youth sport.

Hit Subscribe to never miss an episode!

Thanks for tuning in to So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport—where character, care, and creativity are at the heart of every game.

🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.