"Lessons from the Sidelines: Reflections on Youth Sports and Parenting"

So much fun and joy at this age. I remember this like it was yesterday.

On April 2nd, I stepped down from my role as the Executive Director of the Rogue Valley Timbers. It was a bittersweet moment, stepping away from something I poured my heart and soul into. Yet, I take immense pride in the foundation we've built, evident every time I drive through town and see fields filled with kids playing soccer, proudly wearing our shield. That pride deepens when I watch my two sons represent the club with pride and class. Now, I have the privilege of experiencing the game solely as a father, witnessing them play for a club that countless others and I worked tirelessly to grow and improve, ensuring they, and many others, have this opportunity.

In my resignation letter, I highlighted some lessons I've learned about parenting and coaching through the years. These insights have been shaped by over 30 years of coaching and parenting, watching my own kids grow up in the world of youth sports.​

1. Time is Fleeting In the blink of an eye, your kids will go from kinder-soccer at Jefferson Elementary to touring college campuses. (Trust me, we start visits this summer.)

   
   

2. Let Your Child’s Experience Be Theirs Allow your child to navigate their own journey in sports, embracing their unique experiences and challenges.

   
   

3. Don't Get Caught Up in Early Wins and Losses There are no college scouts watching 5th-grade games, and no one will remember that undefeated 2nd-grade season. But they will remember the joy and laughter of playing the game, if we let them.

   
   

4. Let Your Kids Fail Their stumbles now are what help them build the resilience they’ll need to thrive later.

   
   

5. It's Just a Game - Let It Be Fun Games are meant to be fun. Let your child define what fun looks like for them.

   
   

6. We All Play a Role in Shaping Our Communities Whether that’s on their team, at school, or beyond, let's work together to build the healthiest, most supportive youth sports community we can.

   
   
   
   

Over the coming days, I'll be expanding on each of these lessons, sharing stories and insights that have shaped my perspective as both a coach, and a parent. I hope these reflections resonate with coaches, parents, and anyone involved in youth sports.​