In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Owen McBride on: Private Coaching Co: It's not just a program. It's a movement.

Owen is a 19-year-old North Vancouver native who took his experience through the elite sport system to launch Private Coaching Co (PCC) to make a difference in the approach to keeping kids active, training coaches led by industry experts, and provide employment opportunity for high school and university students. PCC provides individualized and small group training designed to challenge and develop athletes and coaches.

PCC brings in coaches from all areas of sports and life and provides training and mentorship building a new generation of coaches who focus on providing fun and positive environments for athletes.

Growing up in North Vancouver, Owen was dedicated to sports from an early age. After being involved in basketball, soccer and baseball, his strength in soccer emerged and he began to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. After representing team BC as the captain, Owen was selected to join the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency program where he had the opportunity to train and play with the top players from across Canada. 

During the process, he was exposed to the reality of the sport landscape where players were dropping out of sport or not reaching their true potential. 

Why? Because the love of the game and joy of the process were replaced by the pressure to win at all costs. Players were having negative experiences in games, practices, and at home. 

With his own passion for the game being burnt out, he turned to coaching. Through running his own training sessions, he saw just how much of an impact a coach can have on a young kid. 

PCC isn't about developing superstars or focusing on a single sport pathway - it's about developing confident, competent athletes and humans. Through these training sessions, kids blossom and fall in love with sport. And now, PCC is here to help millions of kids unlock their true potential through sport.

Be inspired by how PCC is addressing issues that were prevalent before Covid and ones that have transpired including:

• Providing physical education opportunities outside of school, youth sports, and parks and rec that focus on teaching and developing fundamental movement skills
• Assessing each athlete to see where they are and help them see how they personally develop through sessions 
• Provide career development and employment opportunities for those passionate about coaching and physical activity

Be inspired by the passion Owen has for creating a movement that helps athletes and coaches fall in love with sport and help them unlock their full potential.

You can follow Owen and Private Coaching Co on Instagram @privatecoachingco and check out their website for information on how to sign up for sessions and how to become a coach.

Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  

Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.