The Sports Parenting Playbook

Why Poor Coaching Can Ruin a Child’s Love for Sport: A Baseball Session Gone Wrong In this episode, Kirk and Ben dissect a recent baseball session that highlights how ineffective coaching and lack of engagement can turn kids off from sport altogether. They explore the importance of making sports fun, inclusive, and inspiring for young participants. Main Topics Covered: The impact of first impressi...

In this episode of The Sports Parenting Playbook @miniathleticsben and @kirkbowyer discuss CONFIDENCE in kids sport. Specifically, if you can promote confidence in kids through good coaching, can you kill confidence in kids through bad coaching and what techniques can be used when coaching to make sure that children are happy and confidence is growing. We all know that kids have to have confidence...

Will Greenwood: Growing up, Rugby and The Festival Of Sport Another episode of The Sports Parenting Playbook is presented by Mini Athletics duo Kirk Bowyer and Ben Russell and they are joined by Rugby World Cup winner and The Festival of Sport creator Will Greenwood. In this episode Kirk and Ben dig deep into the upbringing of Will Greenwood and his journey into the world of sport. As a youth Will...

Unlocking Athletic Potential: Insights from Jim Kielbaso Discover the essential elements of long-term athletic development with world-class strength and conditioning coach Jim Kielbaso. In this episode, we explore how foundational movement skills and balanced training can elevate young athletes and influence their long-term sports engagement and success. In this episode:The definition and importan...

Dwain Chambers shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a world-class sprinter, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mentorship, and resilience. He discusses his role in inspiring young athletes through his academy, focusing on personal growth and the joy of participation over winning. Dwain talks openly about the lowest moment of his career and how he now uses this to coac...

In this episode of the Sports Parenting Playbook Podcast, Kirk Bowyer and stand in co-host Seb discuss with Linda Flanagan, author of 'Take Back the Game', the complexities of youth sports. They explore the pressures on young athletes, the financial and emotional costs of travel sports, and the importance of intrinsic motivation. Linda shares insights on how sports can be more inclusive and enjoya...

In this Christmas special episode of The Sports Parenting Playbook hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer discuss their take on the latest Christmas presents being marketed for children (and adults) this Christmas. What presents could benefit a sports enthusiast child? What presents could do more harm than good to the development of children looking to ENJOY a sport. Christmas is all about family and f...

🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Jarren Duran & The Clubhouse In this episode, hosts Kirk Bowyer and Ben Russell dive into the buzzworthy Netflix documentary The Clubhouse , which takes viewers behind the curtain of the Boston Red Sox clubhouse. Their focus? Episode 4 , featuring rising star Jarren Duran , who opens up about his journey through sport and baseball. From the pressures of performance to the...

In this episode of  The Sports Parenting Playbook , we sit down with  Coach Ballgame (James Lowe) —a coach known for his infectious energy, creative approach, and deep love for baseball. Together, we explore: ⚾  Engaging Coaching:  How James brings fun, music, and personality to every practice and game. ❤️  Passion for Baseball:  Why keeping the sport playful and acc...

Kirk and Ben discuss how the kids cartoon Bluey inspires movement & they take on a FUN challenge which you can try at home. There are many episodes of Bluey that if watched with a different view point can inspire you to play and move with your kids. Listen to the podcast on all your favourite podcast players and don't forget to follow Mini Athletics on Instagram and Facebook. Hosted on Acast....

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 un...

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 emotio...

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 ro...

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport , hosts Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer dive deep into one of the most debated topics in youth athletics: early specialization. Drawing from personal stories, research, and coaching experience, they explore why encouraging kids to try multiple sports may be the key to long-term ath...

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest: Coach Kevin, Founder of Athletic Development Games Episode Summary: In this energizing episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport , hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson are joined by Coach Kevin from Athletic Development Games—a passionate youth coach and the mind behind the PlayBoost initiative. Together, they explore how...

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest: Natalie Weir, Physical Literacy Expert & Educator Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport , hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson are joined by Natalie Weir , a leading expert in physical literacy and movement education. Together, they dive deep into what physical literacy r...

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest: Adebayo Akinfenwa, Former Professional Footballer & Motivational Speaker Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport , hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson welcome the legendary Adebayo Akinfenwa. Known for his incredible strength, resilience, and infectious personality, Adebayo takes...

Hosts : Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest : Matt Taylor, Founder of Full Swing Tennis Episode Summary : In this insightful episode of  So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport , hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson sit down with Matt Taylor, the founder of Full Swing Tennis. Matt shares his expertise on how parents can best support their children’s athletic journey—wi...

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest: Allistair McCaw, Best-Selling Author & Mindset Expert Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson are joined by best-selling author and mindset expert Allistair McCaw. With his wealth of experience working with top sports personalities, Allistair sh...

Hosts : Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Guest: Ross Burbeary Episode Summary: In this episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson and Ross Burbeary dive into one of the most pivotal moments in a child’s sporting development – the car journey home after practice or a game. They explore how this seemingly small part of the day can have a...

Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, Nathan Tyson Episode Summary: In Episode 1 of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, hosts Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer, and Nathan Tyson challenge the common pressure many parents put on their kids to be the best at sports from a young age. Instead, they emphasize the importance of encouraging children to simply enjoy sports, try out a variety of activities, and...

In This Episode: Join our hosts—Ben Russell (Mini Athletics Franchise Growth Manager), Kirk Bowyer (Co-founder of Mini Athletics), and Nathan Tyson (Mini Athletics Nottingham and Loughborough, and retired professional footballer)—as they dive into how to help your child enjoy sport. Each episode will brings practical advice, expert tips, and real-life experiences to inspire parents and coaches to...