What Youth Sports Really Teach Our Kids (with Jason Sacks, CEO Positive Coaching Alliance)

Aug 13, 2025

50:39

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Youth sports have the potential to be one of the most powerful classrooms in a child’s life — but only if we approach them with intention.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Jason Sacks, CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance, for a wide-ranging conversation on the real lessons kids take away from sports. They explore how character development doesn’t happen automatically, why access and equity in sports is a growing crisis, and what it actually means to “take back” youth sports in a culture driven by winning and status.

Jason also shares:

Why some communities are losing rec leagues altogether and what that means for kids

How to make sports fun and developmental without sacrificing either

The emotional triggers behind common sideline behavior (and how to handle them better)

Why coach training is the most underrated solution to fixing youth sports

What parents can do before, during, and after the game to support their kids well

Whether you're a parent, coach, or league organizer, this episode will help you reframe what really matters and give you the tools to build an experience kids want to come back to.

ABOUT POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE

PCA is a national nonprofit organization working to unlock the life-changing power of sports for all kids, regardless of social or economic circumstance. Learn more at PositiveCoach.org.

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