Cleats, Chaos, and Coffee Podcast

The Balance Between Fun & Competition in Youth Sports with David Nelson of Tidelands Health


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Welcome to the very first episode of Cleats, Chaos, and Coffee, hosted by Tammy Appleton of Tricres. This show is for every sports parent who’s ever had their heart broken, wallet drained, or schedule hijacked by youth and college sports. In this debut conversation, Tammy sits down with David Nelson of Tidelands Health—a former player, trainer, coach, and director of residency—to explore the real challenges facing families in today’s sports culture.


From the rise of “pay-to-play” models to the fading tradition of neighborhood pickup games, David brings unique insight into how the world of youth sports has shifted over the years. As both a coach and a father of three, he reflects on the balance between creating opportunities and protecting kids from burnout. Together, Tammy and David dig into the pros and cons of organized sports, the role of parents in their child’s athletic journey, and the life lessons sports can teach when approached with balance.


Listeners will also hear candid stories from David’s own family—navigating long schedules, handling disappointment, and learning when competition builds resilience versus when it takes the joy out of the game. The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough questions, like whether parents are pushing kids for the child’s benefit or their own, and what it really means to build a supportive “village” around young athletes.


If you’re a parent wondering how to keep your child’s love of the game alive while preparing them for real-world lessons, this episode will give you perspective, encouragement, and a few laughs along the way. Grab your coffee, settle in, and join us for this authentic conversation about sports, parenting, and everything in between.


Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/jrATh8gGcXk


#CleatsChaosAndCoffee #YouthSports #SportsParenting #Tricres #DavidNelson #TammyAppleton


00:00 The Evolution of Youth Sports

20:35 The Pressure of Parenting in Sports

24:17 Navigating Youth Sports Expectations

27:01 The Importance of Fun in Sports

31:30 Life Lessons Through Sports

35:16 Building a Supportive Community

39:22 Understanding the Realities of Youth Sports

45:05 Finding the Right Path for Young Athletes

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Cleats, Chaos, and Coffee PodcastBy Tammy Appleton