Changing the Game ProjectChanging the Game Project

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • MEDIA
    • INFO FOR PARENTS/COACHES
    • RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
  • BLOG
  • PODCAST
  • BOOKS/VIDEOS
    • BOOKS/ONLINE COURSES
  • HIRE A SPEAKER
    • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • WAY OF CHAMPIONS CONFERENCE
  • CONTACT
  • LOGIN

Changing the Game in Youth Sports

by John O'Sullivan / Saturday, 21 June 2014 / Published in Leadership, Problems in Youth Sports, TED talks

On April 26, 2014 I had the honor of presenting a talk at TEDx Bend Oregon entitled “Changing the Game in Youth Sports.” The power of the TED platform, and its international recognition as a brand that brings “ideas worth sharing” to the forefront of conversation, was such an incredible platform to be able to present the 14 minute version of the Changing the Game Project mission. You can see it here:

Some takeaways:

  • The single greatest effect on performance is an athlete’s state of mind
  • Youth sports used to be about children competing against other children; now it is often adults competing against other adults through their children
  • Children play sports because it is fun; winning comes in way down the list
  • Children quit sports when they don’t get to play, and when winning becomes more important than enjoyment
  • 90% of children would rather play on a losing team than sit the bench on a winning team
  • Competition is important, but being competitive comes from putting the needs and priorities of our children first
  • We can all start changing youth sports for the better by learning five simple words (watch to learn what they are)

I hope you will take the time to watch the video and if you enjoy it, please share it. Share it with families that have children in youth sports. Share it with coaches, schools and organizations that are struggling to serve the needs and priorities of our kids in a youth sports world that sometimes does not allow our children to “Play” anymore. Share it with like minded people so that we all realize that we are the silent majority, and that youth sports can and will change. We have the power to change it the right way, and make it about our players first.

This is certainly the first, and not the last word on this topic, so I also encourage you to share the message of other amazing organizations and individuals that are changing youth sports. Check out Proactive Coaching, the Positive Coaching Alliance, USA Hockey and USA Volleyball, Rick Wolff, Dr Jerry Lynch, Bob Bigelow, Rob Miller, Bruce Brown, NAYS, and many others who are leading the way.  But we need all of you too.

Please leave your thoughts, comments and questions below, and if you have not already joined the tens of thousands of people supporting our mission, click the box below and join our email list. It’s time to CHANGE THE GAME!

Comments

comments

Tagged under: coaching, competition, mindset for athletes, performance, sports parenting, youth sports

What you can read next

To Cheat or Not to Cheat…Is that Even a Question?
Youth Sports Coaching: Not a Job, but a Calling!
Is it Wise to Specialize?

34 Comments to “Changing the Game in Youth Sports”

  1. 1 July 14 - Crossfit Silver Spring says : Reply
    June 30, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    […] Changing the Game in Youth Sports (Video)   The Elderly Need More Exercise? Yes And No.   Chocolate Cherry Muffins […]

  2. Leituras de 4a Feira | Blog Recorrido says : Reply
    July 8, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    […] treinos pesados deveriam ser homeopáticos, ou seja, em doses mínimas e sem causar nenhum efeito. Nessa palestra do ótimo TED, um treinador fala sobre desenvolver o amor e aderência das crianças …. Pode não ser aplicado especificamente à corrida, mas ele dá ao menos direções do que não […]

  3. Changing the Game in Youth Sports | John O'Sull... says : Reply
    August 21, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    […] John O’Sullivan is the Founder of the Changing the Game Project and author of the national bestseller Changing the Game. This is his TEDx talk in April 2014.  […]

  4. INSPIRATIONAL: Changing the Game | Reinke Faces Life says : Reply
    September 4, 2014 at 3:37 am

    […] https://changingthegameproject.com/changing-the-game-in-youth-sports/ […]

  5. #DKsport, #superliga #talent, tankevækkende indlæg om børn og sport | Steen Houman's Blog says : Reply
    September 4, 2014 at 5:38 am

    […] https://changingthegameproject.com/changing-the-game-in-youth-sports/ […]

  6. - Athletics Mom says : Reply
    April 4, 2015 at 7:14 am

    […] is a TED Talk from Changing the Game in Youth Sports. It’s really good. For those that have been in the bleachers a while, you will recognize what […]

  7. Not Lazy Sunday Afternoon Reading - Athletics Mom says : Reply
    April 4, 2015 at 7:15 am

    […] is a TED Talk from Changing the Game in Youth Sports. It’s really good. For those that have been in the bleachers a while, you will recognize what […]

  8. Changing The Game In Youth Sports | Village Parent Coaching Blog says : Reply
    June 8, 2015 at 11:38 am

    […] can also visit me at http://www.changingthegameproject.com, they can purchase my book, or listen to my TED talk. Together, we can give the game back to our […]

  9. Where have all the teenage tennis prodigies gone? | OU Sport & Fitness Team Blog says : Reply
    July 6, 2015 at 5:15 am

    […] at young ages. The result of this is an increasing occurrence of overuse injuries and burnout. John O’Sullivan author of ‘Changing the Game’ reveals in the US that a shocking 70% of children drop out of […]

  10. 3 Myths that are Destroying the Youth Sports Experience for our Kids | Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    July 25, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    […] It leads to high rates of injuries and burnout (70% of kids quit youth sports by the age of 13). […]

  11. Quel senso di avventura | L'allenatore dei sogni says : Reply
    November 2, 2015 at 6:14 am

    […] O’Sullivan, quel giorno, decise di avviare “Changing the game”, un progetto planetario di educazione sportiva rivolta ad allenatori e genitori. Oggi lo sport […]

  12. How to Tell Your Athletes "I See You!" | Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    December 1, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    […] When a child knows you see them, they want to impress you. Changing the Game Project Founder John O’Sullivan’s TED talk teaches parents to say five…” […]

  13. Friday Favorites: A New Year, Week in Review | Hardly A Goddess says : Reply
    January 8, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    […] the Game, John O’Sullivan. This guy’s video is the sha-zam. I loved it. Kids and sports […]

  14. Vista American Little League Opening Day Tonight « The Vista Press says : Reply
    February 26, 2016 at 12:44 am

    […] Please Watch this Ted Talks on Changing the game in youth sports by John O’Sullivan […]

  15. 3 Words Every Athlete Needs to Hear | East County Little League says : Reply
    March 8, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    […] When a child knows you see them, they want to impress you. Changing the Game Project Founder John O’Sullivan’s TED talk teaches parents to say five simple …” […]

  16. Sharing (Coaching) Wisdom: Installment 2 featuring John O’Sullivan « maternalmedia says : Reply
    March 30, 2016 at 9:34 am

    […] presented a TEDx Talk, have garnered over 36,000 followers on your Changing the Game Project Facebook fan page, and have […]

  17. 3 Questions That Turn Losing into Learning - Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    August 3, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    […] Parents, when you ask your kids these three questions, you remind them that it’s the process, not just the outcome, that matters. You help them take ownership of their improvement, and focus on both their strengths and weaknesses. You also let them know that you are in it with them, whether its good, its bad, or it’s ugly.  It lets them know that you don’t simply love watching them win, but that you love watching them pl… […]

  18. An Open Letter to My Dad, who Makes Me Want to Quit Sports - Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    September 1, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    […] get better for the next game. I certainly don’t feel like learning much immediately after a loss. The best thing you can do after a game is tell me you are proud of me for competing, and showing goo… What are we going to eat is helpful too. But that’s all. I can get better next […]

  19. Dear Mom and Dad – Discoveries SC says : Reply
    October 19, 2016 at 10:36 am

    […] better for the next game. I certainly don’t feel like learning much immediately after a loss. The best thing you can do after a game is tell me you are proud of me for competing, and showing goo… What are we going to eat is helpful too. But that’s all. I can get better next […]

  20. Southern Soccer Scene | By John O’Sullivan says : Reply
    December 19, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    […] better for the next game. I certainly don’t feel like learning much immediately after a loss. The best thing you can do after a game is tell me you are proud of me for competing, and showing goo… What are we going to eat is helpful too. But that’s all. I can get better next […]

  21. 3 Myths that are Destroying the Youth Sports Experience for our Kids – Deerfoot United says : Reply
    April 15, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    […] It leads to high rates of injuries and burnout (70% of kids quit youth sports by the age of 13). […]

  22. The Cub Scout Olympics - What You Should Say to Your Young Athlete - mamabrains says : Reply
    May 1, 2017 at 2:16 am

    […] Game Project, coached and played at all levels of soccer including at the professional level.  The TED talk is a short 14 minutes and worth every single minute.  He speaks of the attrition rates of children […]

  23. When Will What We Know Change What We Do in Youth Sports? - Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    June 13, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    […] and most importantly, what we know is that what our children need most, after a tough game, is something to eat and to know that we love watching them compete and play. They don’t need a critical recap on the ride home. They don’t need their coach’s decisions […]

  24. Looking for Answers? Our Comprehensive Booklet With Our Most Popular Articles for Parents, Coaches, Athletes and Youth Sports Organizations - Changing the Game Project says : Reply
    July 12, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    […] Changing the Game in Youth Sports […]

  25. 3 Questions That Turn Losing into Learning - Volleyball Toolbox says : Reply
    October 2, 2017 at 11:14 am

    […] Parents, when you ask your kids these three questions, you remind them that it’s the process, not just the outcome, that matters. You help them take ownership of their improvement, and focus on both their strengths and weaknesses. You also let them know that you are in it with them, whether its good, its bad, or it’s ugly.  It lets them know that you don’t simply love watching them win, but that you love watching them pl… […]

  26. When Will What We Know, Change What We Do - Volleyball Toolbox says : Reply
    January 4, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    […] and most importantly, what we know is that what our children need most, after a tough game, is something to eat and to know that we love watching them compete and play. They don’t need a critical recap on the ride home. They don’t need their coach’s decisions […]

  27. “I See You”: Three Words Athletes Need To Hear – Soccer Toolbox says : Reply
    June 23, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    […] When a child knows you see them, they want to impress you. Changing the Game Project Founder John O’Sullivan’s TED talk teaches parents to say five simple …” […]

  28. When Your Child Won't Play Sports - FatNoggin says : Reply
    January 3, 2019 at 9:28 am

    […] in team sports with  my children is like a parenting science lab for me. There are 10 kids on a team at the beginning of a season. When any of the kids are like […]

  29. Parent To Parent: Here Are The Best 5 Words To Use After Your Child Competes Parent To Parent: Here Are The Best 5 Words To Use After Your Child Competes says : Reply
    February 21, 2019 at 11:03 pm

    […] to John O’Sullivan, 70% of kids quit sports by the time they reach middle […]

  30. 3 Questions That Turn Losing into Learning - Football Toolbox says : Reply
    March 3, 2019 at 10:53 am

    […] Parents, when you ask your kids these three questions, you remind them that it’s the process, not just the outcome, that matters. You help them take ownership of their improvement, and focus on both their strengths and weaknesses. You also let them know that you are in it with them, whether its good, its bad, or it’s ugly.  It lets them know that you don’t simply love watching them win, but that you love watching them pl… […]

  31. How To Be A Good Soccer Parent - A Friendly Reminder from Challenger Sports - Truckee River United FC says : Reply
    April 23, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    […] Sports goes by way too quickly, so enjoy every moment. Do so by simply saying “I love watching you play.” It changes everything (watch this video if you don’t believe me). […]

  32. An AYSO Alert–and Some Advice for Parents: | says : Reply
    August 7, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    […] (Visit: https://changingthegameproject.com/changing-the-game-in-youth-sports/) […]

  33. What’s Wrong with Youth Sports Culture? | Live Like Sam says : Reply
    August 21, 2019 at 12:33 am

    […] your child has a sporting event, we suggest following the advice from the CEO one of our partners, John O’Sullivan from the Changing the Game Project: Destress, stay positive, and always tell your child, “I love watching you […]

  34. What can we do as parents to support our Child in sports - Smart Cheer Dad says : Reply
    February 3, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    […] Sports goes by way too quickly, so enjoy every moment. Do so by simply saying “I love watching you play.” It changes everything (watch this video if you don’t believe me). […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We are Powered by Sports Refund!

Follow Us On …

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on LinkedInFollow Us on iTunes

Grab a Copy of John’s new book Every Moment Matters, Now on Audiobook!

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH JOHN’S TED TALK “CHANGING THE GAME IN YOUTH SPORTS”

John at TEDx Bend cropped

Click Below to Buy Our Books and Videos

CTG Cover No Balls

Click Image to Get our Free Coaching Mastery Course

Most Popular Posts

Find an Article or Podcast

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • GET SOCIAL

© 2020. All Rights Reserved. Changing the Game Project.

TOP