In this episode, Dr. Peter McGahey talks with Scott Snyder - the Senior Director of Sport Development for AYSO - American Youth Soccer Organization. Scott shares the importance of an athlete or child-centered approach to grassroots sports - the games belong to them. Scott discusses some of the challenges that the professionalization of grassroots youth sport poses and some strategies he’s implementing to positively focus this professionalism and lower barriers to access and participation.

In this episode, Dr. Peter McGahey talks with Ken Martel - the Senior Director of Player & Coach Development for USA Hockey. Ken describes some of the unique challenges of youth hockey and the importance of a player’s first grassroots coach. Ken discusses the importance of creating youth sports environments where every player feels like they belong and are valued - coaches, parents, leagues partnering together to make this the reality.

In this episode, Dr. Peter McGahey talks with Dr. Joanna Lane - the Senior Director of Education and Program Development for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Dr. Lane discusses the importance of grassroots coaches instilling and fostering a passion for playing in their athletes. Sharing the importance of empowering athletes, Dr. Lane describes the importance of showing up and being there for your athletes - valuing them as people and helping them grow and get better.