Sports parenting today is harder than it’s ever been. Despite spending more time, more money, and more energy on this experience, most parents aren’t getting the return on this investment that they expected or deserve. Whether your child is an elite athlete competing at a high level or a beginner just starting out, as a sports parent you’ve got a great opportunity - and an important responsibility - in the life of your child…if you use it the right way. Champions 101 was built to show you how.

Champions 101 Virtual Training for Sports Parents

Champions 101 is a virtual training program - a library of engaging lessons and practical tools for navigating the challenges you face as a sports parent. It will help you…

find the joy, the value, and the purpose that your child’s experience in sports was meant to provide.
help your child reach their full potential as an athlete.
prepare them for real, authentic success in life beyond the game.
avoid the most common traps of sports parenting.
have more fun and find more meaning in this experience.

Plus with 24/7 access to the system, you can learn and grow anytime, anywhere, and from the convenience of any device.

Your purchase gives you unlimited access to the training system, which includes these courses and more:

“Winning Choices for Sports Parents”
“Champions Breed Champions: Modeling Winning Behavior”
“You Are Your Child’s Most Important Coach”
“Baby Steps: Embracing the Process that Greatness Requires”
“Take the Gloves Off: Developing Toughness in Your Young Athlete”
“Are You Using the Game…Or Is the Game Using You?”
“Raising a Late Bloomer”
“Raising a Front Runner”
“Develop Your Kid’s Coachability”

Champions in any area of life aren’t born, they’re built. That’s the belief here at Champions 101, and hopefully your belief, too. If you’re serious about becoming your very best as a sports parent and helping your young athlete do the same, then join us...and let the building begin.

Additional Sports Parenting Resources

The LENS book by Travis Daugherty

The LENS is a gameplan for winning sports parenting. It’s about finding clarity, purpose, and perspective in your sports parenting experience. It offers practical advice for helping your child reach their full potential as an athlete, and for helping you use the game to build skills and abilities that will make them champions for life. Learn more about The LENS book or order your copy here.

Champions 101 Weekly Newsletter

This weekly word of challenge and encouragement lands in your email inbox every Friday morning. It’s designed to help you and your young athlete continue to learn what really makes a champion a champion, and how you can become one, too.

Subscribe to the Champions 101 Newsletter

Sports Parenting Blog

Champions 101 Founder and Director Travis Daugherty shares practical advice and winning wisdom for building and developing young people who are worthy of winning, on the playing field and beyond. Read the blog here.

Sports Parent Resources

About 75% of American kids aged 6-17 participated in a team or individual sport in 2020, according to Aspen Project Play. That’s nearly 40 million kids who can call themselves, at least in some capacity, an athlete. That also means there are at least that many, and likely many more moms and dads who find themselves fulfilling one of the most unique and most challenging roles that come with having kids: the role of sports parent.

More and more rare it seems are the innocent days of the local, recreational leagues and the sandlot games that many of us grew up playing. Our youth sports today culture has become a multi-billion dollar industry in our country, and more likely includes fancy uniforms, elite equipment, expensive training, and heavy travel. It’s gradually become more competitive, more cut-throat, and more intense at an earlier and earlier age. In doing so, it’s created a challenging, in some ways unhealthy, and sometimes just plain harmful environment for many kids and parents alike. Sadly, playing the game isn’t what it used to be.

That being said, the youth sports experience remains one of, if not the most valuable opportunities we and our kids will ever be given…if we navigate those challenges effectively. There are an endless number of benefits that playing the game can provide to our kids. It can strengthen them physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can teach them some important lessons and build in them some winning skills that have the potential to impact who they are forever. Playing the game taught me so much that I’m still leaning on to this day, and I’m guessing many of you can say the same. That opportunity’s still available for our kids, too.

That’s why I created Champions 101. Because there are so many of us responsible for fulfilling this important role - the role of sports parent - in the lives of our kids today. Because there are so many traps and pitfalls that exist in today’s youth sports culture, for both us and our kids alike. Because despite our good intentions, it’s really not that hard as a sports parent to make decisions that hinder our kids instead of help them. And because, if we use this sports experience the right way, with purpose and intention, it can be one of the most fun and most meaningful experiences we ever get to share with our children. It’s important that we do it right.

At Champions 101, our mission is to provide sports parents with the resources they need to clarify their priorities and their perspective, formulate an effective game plan, and win. With that in mind, this blog will take a broad look at some of the many questions and a few possible answers for those of you embarking on this sports parenting journey. We’ll also look at several topics and questions to help you as you get started.

How to Increase Youth Sports Participation

Let’s begin by looking at youth sports participation, and how you can most effectively get your child involved in athletics. After all, without youth athletes, there are no sports parents.

As parents, it’s crucial for us to recognize the powerful influence we have on our kids. Each of our kids will ultimately have to decide for themselves whether or not they want to play as they get older, but how we approach the experience will help determine our child’s level of enjoyment. There will certainly be challenges and difficulties to endure as they get older - there are for every athlete. But early on, enjoyment is the key to increasing youth sports participation. Making it fun from the beginning will help keep it fun later.

What Are Good Resources for Parents Looking to Introduce Their Kids to Sports?

Outside of playing catch in the backyard or watching a game together on TV, there are several community resources for parents who want to introduce their child to sports. Most local park and recreation organizations offer great introductory experiences that are low-cost, low-commitment, and low-pressure. Beyond that, reaching out to local YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other sports centers in your area might be a useful second step.

Another great online resource is SportsEngine. SportsEngine is the world’s largest online database for youth sports programs. Simply select the sport you are interested in and your zip code, and you’re instantly given a list of results near you. Once you find a program that seems like a good fit, it may be time to enroll your child.

Should I Force My Kid to Play Sports?

If your child hasn’t developed an interest in playing - or doesn’t develop one, for that matter - then you may have to accept that sports may not be the right fit for him or her. At the same time, don’t be surprised if your child is hesitant to jump into their first athletic experience. They’ll probably need your support and encouragement to take that first step.

If your child is resistant to the idea, then you may be wondering if you should force your kid to participate. The straightforward answer is no, your child shouldn’t be forced to play sports. As parents, we are the ones responsible for making decisions that help our kids, not harm them, and if you push your child too hard into an experience they aren’t at least somewhat willing to be a part of, then you risk turning them off to playing, even long into the future. One terrible experience can have a lasting effect, and having the foresight to see it and avoid it is a great reason why you shouldn’t force your kid to play sports.

At the same time, as parents it’s also important for us to recognize the powerful influence we have on our kids, and to use that influence effectively when and where it’s needed. We shouldn’t bully or coerce our children into playing if they aren’t ready, but we should be willing to encourage them, sometimes maybe even against their initial feeling, into an experience we are confident will in time be fun and meaningful. Sometimes as parents we know things our kids don’t know, and we should be afraid to use that knowledge to make decisions we know are good for them, even if they don’t know it yet.

The bottom line is, there are rarely black and white answers when it comes to making decisions like “Should I force my kid to play sports?” Every child, every parent, and every situation is unique, and what might be a good reason to push one child into athletics, even against their will for one parent, might be just as good a reason not to for another. As they get older, their insight and feedback should continue to matter more and more, and should help guide the decisions you make. No matter what, just be sure to keep a few priorities in mind. The blueprint for effective sports parenting starts with 1) keeping it fun, 2) maintaining your perspective, and 3) acting and making decisions with intention and purpose. If you are confident you are making those three things a priority in this experience, then you can trust that you are making the right decisions.

Why Parents Should Encourage Sports

As we established already, one of the most important resources you have at your disposal as a sports parent is your powerful influence. And while that influence can be used negatively to threaten or intimidate your child, it can also be used positively to build and create an attitude of enjoyment for this sports experience and to cultivate your child’s passion for playing. Especially early in the experience, make sure you are using your influence for good. Here are a few ways you can be proactively involved:

Play with your child. Whether it’s a game of catch in the backyard or a game of one-on-one in the driveway, your participation in this experience can be a major source of encouragement for your child. Just make sure your involvement makes playing the game more fun for your kid, not less. Be aware of how competitive your involvement needs to be. Push too hard or make it overly competitive and you can ruin the fun, but joining in yourself - and smiling, laughing, and enjoying yourself in the process - can be a great encourager for your child.

Fuel their passion. Even if you aren’t physically playing the game, there are a ton of ways you can use your influence to encourage their interest. If you have a favorite pro team, help them become a fan, too. Buy them posters for their wall or team apparel to wear. Take them to games if you can, or at least sit down in front of the TV on occasion to root for your teams together. Make watching, talking about, and experiencing the game fun for them even when they aren’t the one playing, and it will continue to encourage their enjoyment when they are.

Help them navigate the challenges. In truth, your child’s experience in sports might be one of the first times in their life they experience some struggle and even some failure. As fun as playing the game might be, these challenges provide you with a great opportunity to use your influence for good. You are responsible for helping them understand the place that struggle and even failure have in this experience, and for keeping it fun even in the midst of those tough moments. Helping them start to develop a healthy understanding of adversity’s place in this experience, especially early on, will benefit them greatly as they get older.

What to Do When Your Child is Not Athletic?

It may be evident, even from the beginning of this experience, that your child isn’t very athletic, especially compared to some other kids who’ve been playing the game longer or seem to be farther ahead. And while your child’s physical ability may not be where you wish it was or where some others are, that's okay. Keep in mind that growth, physical maturity, and coordination take time, and that the more your child plays, the better they’ll get. Additionally, it’s important to highlight that as a sports parent, comparison is the thief of joy. As a sports parent, focusing your attention on how your child stacks up to others is one of the easiest things to do, but it is also one of the least productive choices you can make.

Instead, focus on helping your child run their own race. And even if their athleticism doesn’t develop at the rate you wish - or doesn’t develop at all - don’t diminish the other benefits to this experience, like the valuable life lessons and healthy habits it’s helping to instill. If your child is having fun, stick with it. If they aren’t, then at some point it might be time to consider something else. In either case, take from the experience what you can and help your child do the same.

Other factors to consider about your child’s participation

The unfortunate reality of youth participation in sports in the U.S. is that cost and access can both be prohibitive barriers to entry. For most of us, the high cost associated with playing is an important factor, and access might be another hurdle. To that end, here are a few alternative options that may be worth considering:

Least Expensive Youth Sports

There is more than one way to minimize the expenses associated with your child’s athletic experience. One option might be considering cheaper alternatives to mainstream organized sports. The following activities require minimal equipment and maximize the use of free public spaces like parks, backyards, and more. For example:

Skateboarding- Requires only a board, and can be done in multiple locations, including public skate parks.
Frisbee Golf- Using only a frisbee, your kid can play anywhere simply by deciding what a “hole” is. For example, a hole might be hitting a far-off tree trunk in three throws or fewer.
Soccer - Pick-up soccer is becoming more popular and available at parks across the country. All your child needs is him or herself, a ball (not always necessary as often other people will bring one to a pickup game), and some shoes.
Dance- A great full body exercise that can be done at in the living room, on the playground, or anywhere else your child can find some open space. If you have easy access to the internet, they can learn some simple dances on YouTube.
Basketball - Similar to pick-up soccer, all you need to do is show up to the court with a ball and some shoes and get to playing.
Hiking - While it’s not exactly a sport, hiking is a great way to stay active. All your child needs is somewhere to hike and some footwear.
Swimming - Through the work of many parks and recreational offices, public community pools often offer free swim sessions. Be sure to check out your local websites for more information. Some might even give out free lessons.
Running - Similar to hiking, all your kid needs to go on a run is some footwear and some safe, open space. Neighborhoods, parks, tracks and more provide plenty of opportunities.

Of course, with any of these options, safety is a priority. Talk to your child about choosing a safe location, using the equipment correctly, and practicing appropriate caution - especially as they get started.

Sports for underprivileged youth

In terms of sports programs aimed at serving underprivileged youth, there are several organizations and nonprofits working to do just that. Some of these include:

Kaboom.org - serves underprivileged youth by transforming and constructing safe play areas throughout cities.
Goodsports.org - serves underprivileged youth sports organizations by providing equipment, apparel, and footwear to those in need.
everykidsports.org - provides grants to help cover registration fees for qualifying individuals.

In addition to these resources, many recreational, school, and club teams offer assistance including scholarship opportunities or reduced pricing. Once you find the right sport or organization for your child, don’t be hesitant to reach out and see if you qualify.

The Relationship Between Parents and Sport

Now that we’ve talked at length about getting your child started in sports, let’s touch on a few key points on what effective sports parenting looks like. We’ll talk about the different degrees of parental involvement in youth sports, the resources available to those in that role, and some common questions worth considering.

How Do Parents Influence Youth Sports?

As a sports parent, you will wear many hats and take on many different roles and responsibilities throughout your child’s time as an athlete. And as we said already, the influence you have on your child’s experience in sports will be enormous. You will serve as their biggest cheerleader and sometimes their biggest critic. You will pay the fees to get them registered and drive them to and from practices and games. You will be there through all the ups and downs, and be responsible for helping them navigate all that comes with this challenging experience. Sports can either bring a parent and their child closer together or push them farther apart. You’ll have a major influence on determining which it does for you.

What Are the Roles for Parents in Sports?

As we alluded to already, you will serve in multiple roles as a sports parent. Let’s look at a few of the most prevalent:

Fan…First and foremost, you should always be your child’s number one fan. Of course, being a fan means living and dying with the outcome of a game, but more importantly it means cheering for and supporting their players, regardless of their performance.
Coach…Whether you find yourself officially named the manager of your child’s team or just take on the role informally, the truth is you will serve, in some form or another, as one of your child’s most important coaches. It’s important to consider what a coach’s job is and how they do that job most effectively, and what that means for you.
Supporter…Sports is played in a competitive, emotional environment that can create a unique and challenging level of stress or anxiety for our kids. Experiencing a tough loss, not playing as much as they’d like, or dealing with conflict on their team are just a few of the endless struggles you may find your child facing. As parents, we are responsible for helping our kids navigate these tough situations, and use them to make our kids better moving forward.
Transitional Advocate…In the beginning, you’ll have to take the lead on managing your child’s experience in sports, but as they get older, you are responsible for helping them transition into the driver’s seat themselves. Learning to take responsibility, advocate for themselves, and make the experience their own is an important part of growing up. Your guidance and support in that process will be critical.
Role Model…Most importantly, as sports parents we are responsible for modeling for our kids what winning behavior looks like. There is no more valuable or more authentic teaching tool at our disposal than our own powerful example. The truth is, champions breed champions. That means if we are serious about helping our kids become their best, then we have to keep working to become our best, too.

Parent Coaches in Youth Sports

One of the most important and most challenging roles we just mentioned is that coach. Whether you are coaching your child on an individual basis or taking on the responsibilities that come with leading their team, your role as a coach is so important…and really difficult. Especially when it comes to coaching your own kid, challenges can abound.

At the youth level, it’s hard to maintain your focus where it should be - on individual and team development - and easy to dwell instead on the scoreboard or the team’s season win/loss record. Coaches at this level are one of the key determiners in what kind of experience a young athlete has and how likely they are to continue playing, learning, and improving as they get older.

Positive Coaching Alliance

One of the best resources for parents and coaches alike is the Positive Coaching Alliance. The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is an organization with the mission of creating positive youth sports cultures across the U.S. To that end, they provide training, resources, and support for coaches, athletes, and parents. These resources cover a broad range of topics like how to parent an athlete, how to deal with racism in sports, what recruiting is like, how to guide coaches, and more.

What Other Resources Do Parents Need?

This blog highlights just how important and just how difficult sports parenting can be. With nearly 40 million kids playing sports these days, so many parents find themselves trying to navigate this challenging territory. My life spent in sports - as an athlete, a coach, and a sports parent myself - has taught me a few things. I’ve learned that navigating this space certainly isn’t easy. I’ve learned that this time as a sports parent flies by, and that we’ll miss it when it’s gone. And I’ve learned that as a sports parent, just showing up and hoping for the best isn’t enough.

That’s why I created Champions 101, a virtual training program for sports parents like you. The library of online courses provides you with engaging content and practical tools designed to help you develop a winning game plan for yourself, so you and your athlete can get the most out of this experience. It will help you:

find the joy, the value, and the purpose that your child’s experience in sports was meant to provide
help your child reach their full potential as an athlete.
prepare them for real, authentic success in life beyond the game.
avoid the most common traps of sports parenting.
have more fun and find more meaning in this experience.

The truth is, champions aren’t born. They’re built. That’s our belief at Champions 101, and I hope your belief, too. If you’re serious about helping your child become a champion, on the playing field and beyond? Then join me, and let the building begin!