Healthy Youth Sports

In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, we sit down with Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, to dive into the network’s groundbreaking Take Back Sports initiative. With a $5 million commitment and powerful partnerships—including Steph and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation—ESPN is on a mission to remove barriers, restore fun, and create healthier, more inclusive youth sports environments. Kevin shares insights on the program’s vision, its focus on access, mental well-being, and coaching quality, and why storytelling and culture change are at the heart of transforming the game. Whether you're a parent, coach, or advocate, this conversation will leave you inspired to reimagine youth sports for the better. Learn more about Take Back Sports.

Today’s episode features none other than Lee Taft, widely recognized as “The Speed Guy” in the world of athletic performance. With over 35 years of experience, Lee is one of the most respected athletic movement specialists globally, known for revolutionizing the way athletes train for multi-directional speed and agility. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Lee shares his journey from growing up as a multi-sport athlete to becoming a pioneer in speed and movement training. We dive into critical topics like the ideal age to begin speed development, the difference between speed and agility, the importance of foundational movement, and how to avoid common training mistakes. You’ll also hear about Lee’s signature concepts like the “Plyo Step” and “Hip Turn,” his approach to designing youth training programs, and the science behind why everyone—not just the genetically gifted—can improve their speed. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why speed isn’t just genetic—and how any athlete can improve ✅ The best age to begin speed training in young athletes ✅ The difference between speed and agility—and why both matter ✅ How foundational movement skills lay the groundwork for athletic success ✅ Key components of an effective youth speed workout ✅ Why overtraining is a real risk—and how to avoid it ✅ The impact of strength training on speed development ✅ How multi-sport participation affects an athlete’s long-term development Whether you work with young athletes or just want to understand how to build better movers, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to level up your knowledge of speed training and help the next generation of athletes reach their full potential. Guest: Lee Taft, CSCS, FAFS – Athletic Movement Specialist, Coach, and Global Educator www.leetaft.com | @leetaft (Instagram/Twitter)

In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, Dr. Courtney Duckworth and Dr. Jeffrey Lo join host Eric Utterback to discuss the vital role of preparing the next generation of pediatric sports medicine professionals. Dr. Duckworth, a resident physician at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Lo, a sports medicine physician with a background in pediatric rheumatology, share their expertise on navigating medical training and residency programs to pursue a fellowship in sports medicine. They dive into the importance of early exposure to youth sports, the interdisciplinary approach to care, and the unique challenges of treating young athletes. With insights on mentorship, injury prevention, and future trends in the field, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring pediatric sports medicine professionals. Tune in for an engaging discussion on shaping the future of youth sports healthcare. References Chomik, R., & Jacinto, M. (2021). Peak performance age in sport. Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research NPR, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, & Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2015). Sports and health in America. NPR. Miller A. N. (2016). Evaluation of Common Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Urgent Setting. MedEdPORTAL : the journal of teaching and learning resources, 12, 10514. de Inocencio, J., Carro, M. Á., Flores, M., Carpio, C., Mesa, S., & Marín, M. (2016). Epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain in a pediatric emergency department. Rheumatology international, 36(1), 83–89. Coleman, N., Beasley, M., Briskin, S., Chapman, M., Cuff, S., Demorest, R. A., Halstead, M., Hornbeck, K., Kinsella, S. B., Logan, K., Liu, R., Mooney, C., Myers, R. A., Ruparell, S., Santana, J., Walter, K. D., Waterbrook, A. L., & Wolf, S. F. (2021). Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Curriculum Guidelines for Pediatric Residents. Current sports medicine reports, 20(4), 218–228. Coleman, N., Beasley, M., Briskin, S., Chapman, M., Cuff, S., Demorest, R. A., Halstead, M., Hornbeck, K., Kinsella, S. B., Logan, K., Liu, R., Mooney, C., Myers, R. A., Ruparell, S., Santana, J., Walter, K. D., Waterbrook, A. L., & Wolf, S. F. (2021). Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Curriculum Guidelines for Pediatric Residents. Current sports medicine reports, 20(4), 218–228. 

In this episode, Michael R. Rebold, PhD, ACSM-EP, CSCS joins us to dive into essential recovery strategies for young athletes. The conversation explores the critical role recovery plays in improving performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall athletic development. Dr. Rebold shares expert insights on effective recovery techniques including sleep, hydration, nutrition, and mental recovery, and discusses how coaches and parents can support athletes in maintaining a balanced approach to training and rest. Tune in for practical tips to help young athletes perform at their best and stay injury-free!

Archery is more than just a sport—it’s a powerful tool for physical fitness, mental focus, and character development. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), to explore how archery is engaging students in new and meaningful ways. We discuss how schools can incorporate archery into their physical education programs, the equipment needed, and opportunities for competition. Dr. Floyd also highlights the many benefits of NASP, from improving student focus and perseverance to fostering teamwork and inclusivity for students of all abilities. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or parent, this episode will inspire you to see archery as an accessible and valuable addition to youth sports. Tune in to learn how schools can get involved and why archery is a great alternative to traditional team sports! 🎧🏹

Resistance training isn’t just for adults—youth resistance training programs are growing in popularity across schools, fitness centers, and training facilities. In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Blake Biren, PhD, CSCS, CES, to explore the benefits and best practices for youth resistance training. Discover: The significant physical and mental health benefits of properly designed and supervised resistance training for youth. How resistance training can serve as an exciting and enjoyable alternative to traditional physical activity. Why leading organizations like ACSM fully support youth participation in resistance training programs. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or educator, this episode offers valuable insights into how resistance training can empower young athletes, foster healthy habits, and promote lifelong fitness.

Exercise can be life-changing for children with autism, but how do we ensure physical activity is engaging, effective, and inclusive? In this episode, we welcome David Geslak, BS, ACSM-EP, CSCS, Founder of Exercise Connection and a pioneer in fitness for individuals with autism. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and his groundbreaking system for teaching exercise, David shares valuable insights and strategies for helping children with autism thrive through physical activity. We explore: The unique ways autism affects individuals and how exercise can help. How physical activity improves focus, social skills, and language development in children with autism. Strategies for parents and caregivers to make exercise enjoyable and accessible. The role of adaptive sports and how families can find inclusive programs. Practical tools like social stories and visual schedules to prepare children for physical activity. Insights into the ACSM Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate Course and its impact on professionals working with children with autism. Inspiring success stories of children and families benefiting from exercise interventions. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or coach, this episode provides actionable tips and resources to foster fitness and fun for children with autism.  Tune in and learn how exercise can unlock potential and promote well-being for all!

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we’re joined by Lauren Butler, DPT, and Nick Garcia to explore the current state and future of recreational sports. Drawing on insights from Dr. Butler's recent article published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, we discuss whether recreational sports have become a relic of the past or could be a solution for the future of youth athletics. We explore the decline in recreational sports in favor of club sports, including the impact this shift has had on kids' physical, social, and emotional well-being. Dr. Butler and Garcia share insights on high dropout rates in youth sports, early specialization, and rising injury concerns, and discuss the key benefits of recreational sports, from skill development to pure enjoyment. Our conversation dives into the challenges facing recreational sports programs, including funding and staffing limitations, community support, and the need for public policy changes to support growth. By redefining recreational sports, we discuss how parents, communities, and organizations can work together to reshape youth sports and bring back a culture of fun, inclusive, and accessible athletic experiences for kids. Tune in to learn practical solutions and strategies that could help reenergize recreational sports and encourage lifelong physical activity.   Follow Dr. Butler on Twitter/X

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we sit down with Carrie Jaworski, MD, FAAFP, FACSM, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine, to explore a growing challenge in youth sports—overscheduling. As young athletes juggle competitive sports, academics, and personal lives, the pressure to perform on all fronts can lead to burnout and negatively impact their well-being. Dr. Jaworski sheds light on: Signs of overscheduling and its effects on physical, mental, and emotional health. How academic performance can suffer under the weight of packed schedules. The roles parents, coaches, and athletes play—often unintentionally—in creating unsustainable routines. Dr. Jaworski also shares practical strategies for parents to prevent overscheduling and tips for coaches to find the right balance between practice and competition. She discusses the importance of teaching young athletes to manage their own schedules and advocate for their needs. Tune in to hear Dr. Jaworski’s insights on how we can foster a healthier youth sports culture that prioritizes balance, wellbeing and long-term enjoyment for our athletes. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers essential advice for navigating the challenges of today’s demanding sports environment.

In this episode of the Healthy Youth Sports Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Thayne Munce to discuss a groundbreaking applied sports science research study titled "Beyond the Turf: Data-Driven Athlete Health." Dr. Munce and his team are utilizing innovative FieldTurf technology to collect real-time data from high school football players, providing actionable insights for coaches and athletes while gathering millions of deidentified data points. Through the SmartTeam project, this "living laboratory" model is already proving its value by shedding light on athletic performance, injury risks, and how data-driven approaches can improve athlete safety and well-being. Though still in its pilot phase, the study has shown tremendous promise for broader application in sports settings. Tune in to explore how the future of sports science is taking shape on the field and how data can revolutionize athlete health management. Perfect for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and sports performance!   Follow Dr. Munce on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ThayneMuncePhD