Many parents contribute to an unhealthy youth sports environment. These actions are costly. Positive messages from school athletic departments and youth sports leagues - like the importance of character development - are often drowned out by the noise of parents. Kids are quitting at record numbers. They therefore don’t learn important lifelong skills that can be gleaned through youth sports. Kevin Anselmo has spent many hours researching and conducting interviews with notable coaches and players to learn these individuals’ advice for parents. The key takeaways are summarized in the chapters of this “parents’ playbook.”

The aim of this playbook is to prevent us from getting caught up in the moment with a negative reaction and instead bring the right approach to the game, with an emphasis on our kids’ long-term character development. The advice is applicable whether you have a young kid playing sports for the first time or are nurturing a teenager playing in high school.

The CHAMP acronym comprises the first five chapters in this short playbook:C - ConductH - HumilityA - AffirmM - MindsetP - PerspectiveWhen parents apply the content in this book, players experience a more positive environment, setting them up to better improve both in their sport and character. Parents better understand how sports contribute to their child's all-around growth. Coaches benefit from a more supportive parent community, enhancing their ability to focus on player development. The culture of programs is strengthened.Enjoy this free audiobook.

Invitation for Athletic Departments, Youth Programs and Companies:

We offer a unique customized book sponsorship. As part of the package, leadership from the sponsoring organization can write the book foreword that is packaged both in the print book and audio version. It is a great opportunity to highlight how the organization’s mission and messages connect to character development through youth sports. The sponsor’s logo will appear on the front cover, copies of the book will be distributed to the organization’s audiences and we will run a customized workshop.

Schools’ athletic departments and youth sports programs are welcome to sponsor directly or in collaboration with their own partners. Corporations that have a vested interest in youth development and community engagement would also be a great fit.

Have questions, suggestions for potential sponsors or general feedback? Email [email protected] or call/text: 1 (919) 260 0035.