The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

By Nathan ParnhamHealth & Fitness
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The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development episodes

  • EP36: Bonus episode- The ultimate athletic development framework

    Welcome to the final bonus episode of The Get Down podcast, where I guide you through building the ultimate athletic development framework for schools. Over the years, I’ve received countless questions from coaches, parents, and school staff about solving challenges in athletic development settings. This episode is your cheat sheet, breaking down every detail into three stages: the preseason, competition phase, and finals. Together, we’ll create a comprehensive, student-centred program that develops athletic potential and integrates seamlessly into the school’s framework, delivering long-term success.

    Share your thoughts and questions from this episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network.


    Key points include: 

    • Athletic development is divided into the preseason (12–18 months), competition phase (1.5–3 years), and finals (3–5 years), each focusing on specific areas like staffing, student engagement, and program expansion.

    • Prioritising students’ holistic needs (academic, athletic, and general) is crucial to creating equitable, impactful programs.

      • Success depends on aligning athletic programs with school resources, fostering collaboration with staff, and utilising external partnerships for long-term sustainability.


        • Connect with me:

        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

        Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


        Order my book:

        The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book

        Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

        https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ 

        https://plae.us 

        22 min
      • EP35: Guest episode- Talent ID and the future of youth sport

        In this episode of The Get Down Podcast, we wrap up the season with an absolute game-changer in the world of long-term athlete development. James Baker, the Head of Talent Identification and Athlete Development at Elite Sport UAE and Co-Founder/Director of The LTAD Network, joins us for a live podcast recording. 

        James shares his deep insights into the evolving landscape of youth athletes, the challenges facing traditional sports, and the nuances of talent identification in modern sports science.

        James has held prestigious roles, including at the renowned Aspire Academy, and recently delivered a standout presentation at the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Conference. From parkour-loving kids to the future of professional development pathways, this episode is a masterclass in understanding the current and future states of sport.

        Share your thoughts and questions from this episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network.

        Key points include: 

        • Modern distractions and lifestyle changes are impacting movement literacy and engagement in traditional sports.

        • Alternative activities like parkour and e-sports are competing with mainstream sports, and this shapes talent pipelines.

        • James’ take on why interdisciplinary approaches are key to spotting and nurturing athletic potential.

        • How the development pathways today differ from those of 20 years ago, and what this means for aspiring athletes.

          • Connect with James Baker:

          • Website: The LTAD Network

          • Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn

            • Connect with me:

            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

            Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/

            Order my book:

            The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book

            Listener exclusive!2 months FREE subscription to any package on the LTAD Network resources.Use code “THEGETDOWN”

            * VIP package will unlock the greatest value of opportunities.

            Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor

            https://www.instagram.com/gymaware 

            http://gymaware.com/ 

            Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

            https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ 

            https://plae.us 

            30 min
          • EP34: Schools- Is it all about athletic development?

            In episode 34 of the Get Down Podcast, I delve into the strategies needed to optimize athletic development within the school environment. This final instalment for schools starts with a common scenario where schools hire athletic coaches focusing primarily on top-tier sports, which can lead to challenges when responsibilities grow. I discuss three key strategies: expanding the scope of events beyond coaching, bringing supplementary services like physiotherapy and dietetics in-house, and fostering comprehensive community engagement. These approaches aim to enhance the effectiveness and perception of athletic programs, benefiting not only athletes but the entire school community. Remember, the success of an athletic development program goes beyond just coaching; it requires strategic planning tailored to your school's unique environment.

            Key points include: 

            • Schools should consider events like workshops, student competitions, and parent information sessions to enhance the athletic development role beyond traditional coaching.

            • Bringing services like physiotherapy, dietetics, and medical support on-site or partnering with providers can reduce travel time and improve coordination, making it more convenient for parents and students.

            • Schools should focus on broader community engagement, involving students, parents, and staff to foster positive mental health and physical activity, extending beyond just high-performance sports.

            • A successful athletic development program involves planning for diverse needs and coordinating across various school departments to ensure all students benefit, not just top athletes.

              • Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! 

              See you soon!


              Connect with me:

              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

              Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


              Order my book:

              The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book


              Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

              Website: https://plae.us

              12 min
            • EP33: Parents- The high performance managers of the future

              Welcome to episode number 33 of the Get Down Podcast, tailored for parents aiming to set their children up for success in sports. I discuss three main points: selecting sports intentionally during different stages of maturation, emphasizing early and appropriate athletic development, and strategically managing your child's weekly schedule to prevent burnout and maintain passion. I highlight the importance of coordination-based sports in early childhood, team vs. individual sports in adolescence, and having mandatory rest days. 

              This episode is based on insights from my book, The Sporting Parent, and aims to help you become an efficient 'high-performance manager' for your young athlete.

              Key points include: 

              • Choose sports strategically, considering each stage of your child’s growth.

              • Avoid overloading schedules by focusing on one to two sports per season, which allows balanced development and prevents burnout.

              • Athletic conditioning is essential, especially given the decline in unstructured play. 

              • Introduce age-appropriate training early to build coordination and motor skills, and adjust as they grow, to set them up for long-term success.

              • Children shouldn’t mirror professional athletes’ schedules, as this can lead to burnout or resentment toward sports.

              • Children’s physical needs change, particularly during rapid growth periods (ages 11-15). 

                • Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! 

                See you soon!


                Connect with me:

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

                Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


                Order my book:

                The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book

                Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

                Website: https://plae.us

                16 min
              • EP32: Coaches- Contemporary coaching strategies for this generation

                Welcome to episode 32 of The Get Down Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in modern coaching: bridging the generational gap with our athletes. I’ll walk through why many traditional coaching frameworks just don’t resonate with today’s athletes and offer up some alternative approaches that have proven effective. We’ll dig into three major points: long-term athlete development (LTAD) models and why they’re only effective if they keep athletes coming back, the importance of fluid periodization to prevent burnout and increase buy-in, and balancing specialization with unstructured play in a way that meets both athlete and societal needs. 

                Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or just passionate about athletic development, this episode is packed with insights and strategies for making an impact.

                Key points include: 

                • Long-term athlete development models must focus on immediate outcomes to retain athletes and foster commitment.

                • Coaches should use adaptable periodization to keep training programs fresh and motivating for athletes.

                • Encourage both specialization and unstructured play to promote overall physical activity and enjoyment.

                • Provide opportunities for choice in training to enhance athlete engagement and independence.

                  • Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! 


                  See you soon!


                  Connect with me:

                  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

                  Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


                  Order my book:

                  The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book


                  Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

                  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

                  Website: https://plae.us

                  14 min
                • EP31: Guest episode- How to thrive as a youth athlete

                  We welcome Ben Pullen, PhD paediatric strength and conditioning and Founder of Youth Exercise Centre, to discuss the intricacies of coaching young athletes and the role parents play in this journey. Dr. Ben shares his wealth of experience from working with youth athletes and provides valuable insights for parents and coaches alike.


                  Key Topics:

                  • Dr. Ben discusses how well-meaning parental involvement can sometimes hinder a child's development.

                  • Younger children may benefit from their parents being nearby, while teenagers might thrive when given more independence.

                  • We break down why parents should avoid looking for instant results in their child’s athletic progress. 

                  • Consistent, long-term development is key to building strength and improving performance.

                    • Tune in to hear practical advice and insights for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports development!


                    Connect with Ben: 

                    https://www.instagram.com/dr.b.pullen/ 

                    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ben-pullen-890079187/ 


                    Connect with me:

                    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

                    Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


                    Order my book:

                    The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book

                    Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor

                    https://www.instagram.com/gymaware 

                    http://gymaware.com/ 


                    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

                    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

                    Website: https://plae.us

                    48 min
                  • EP30: Schools- Identifying the pros and cons of coaching structures

                    This time, the focus is on analysing the pros and cons of various coaching structures within school environments. The discussion centres on three primary models: the homegrown coach, outsourced onsite coaches, and external facility providers. Each model offers unique advantages and challenges. The episode encourages schools to weigh these factors based on their unique needs and invites listeners from different coaching domains to share their experiences. The upcoming episode promises a special guest with expertise in development settings.


                    Key points include: 

                    • Homegrown coaches foster community engagement and provide immediate solutions but can be costly and require time investment. 

                    • Outsourced onsite coaches offer experience and cost-effectiveness but may lack accountability and continuity. 

                    • External facilities offer an exciting change of environment and quality staff but introduce logistical challenges and dependency risks. 

                      • Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! 

                      See you soon!


                      Connect with me:

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

                      Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


                      Order my book:

                      The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book

                      Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

                      Website: https://plae.us

                      12 min
                    • EP29: Parents- Understanding the differences of a generation

                      The episode focuses on the generational differences in children's engagement with sports, emphasising play and physical activity changes. I explore how a lack of unstructured play impacts movement competency and the technical development of youth athletes. It highlights issues such as a diminished interest in watching sports and the consequences of early specialisation vs. inactivity. Parents are encouraged to foster a love for sports through outdoor play, structured training, and by creating positive sporting experiences. The episode also provides strategies for parents to improve their children's sporting journey and hints at future topics like school coaching systems.

                      Key points include: 

                      • ​Parents' well-intentioned actions have shaped today's generation, impacting how children engage in sports and physical activity.
                      • ​To improve movement skills, children should engage in unstructured, risk-taking play without constant adult supervision.
                      • ​Parents can foster a love for sports by actively participating, watching games together, and creating memorable bonding experiences.

                      Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! 

                      See you soon!


                      Connect with me:

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

                      Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


                      Order my book:

                      The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book


                      Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

                      Website: https://plae.us

                      12 min
                    • EP28: Coaches- The Overtraining Fallacy

                      Welcome to Season 4 of The Get Down Podcast series! In this episode, we will debunk the overtraining fallacy among youth athletes. I will explain how my viewpoint has evolved over two decades of coaching, emphasising the importance of year-round athletic engagement and unstructured play to build resilient, well-rounded athletes. 

                      Key points include: 

                      • ​Dangers of seasonal specialisation 
                      • ​Benefits of multi-sport participation
                      • ​Practical strategies for coaches to support ongoing athletic development

                      Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! 

                      See you soon!


                      Connect with me:

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/

                      Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/


                      Order my book:

                      The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book


                      Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/

                      Website: https://plae.us


                      13 min
                    • EP27: Bonus episode- Building world class facilities

                      I sat down with Shane Gooneratne from PLAE to discuss the intricacies of constructing high-quality athletic facilities around the globe. From working with sports clubs and tech companies to government agencies and schools, Shane shares his experiences and milestones, highlighting standout projects like Loughborough University and the SHORE School in Sydney. We dive deep into the cultural differences in athletic development between Australia, the USA, and the UK. We also discuss the importance of vision, space, and long-term investment when developing performance facilities. Tune in to learn about common mistakes schools make in these ventures and the key elements to ensure your facility's success.

                      33 min

                    About The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Youth sport is a billion dollar industry. Youth athletic development plays a significant role in this. With such a large investment at stake through various stakeholders, how do you know you're on the right path in setting this generation up for success?