Healthy Youth Sports

As temperatures soar across the country, keeping young athletes safe during summer sports becomes more important than ever. In this timely episode of Healthy Youth Sports, host Eric Utterback is joined by internationally renowned heat stress and youth sports health expert Dr. Michael F. Bergeron. Together, they explore the critical steps parents, coaches, and athletes must take to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure kids can perform and recover safely in hot weather. Dr. Bergeron, a Visiting Scholar at the University of Hartford and Clinical and Scientific Advisor for the Women’s Tennis Association, shares evidence-based strategies to prepare for, compete in, and recover from exertion in the heat. Listeners will learn about hydration techniques, heat acclimatization, warning signs of heat exhaustion, and how to build lasting heat safety habits in youth sports. Whether you're on the sidelines, in the coaching huddle, or helping kids stay safe and strong at home, this episode offers actionable guidance to help athletes thrive — even when the heat is on. Key Topics Covered: Preparing young athletes for summer heat Hydration and acclimatization strategies Recognizing and responding to heat illness Best practices for safe training and recovery Return-to-play protocols after heat-related events The importance of enforcing heat safety policies 💪 Bonus Resource: Want to deepen your impact with youth athletes? Enroll in the ACSM/NYSHSI Youth Fitness Specialist Certificate — a self-paced online course offering 13 CECs and proven strategies to help kids move better, get stronger, and stay active for life. Learn more.

In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, host Eric Utterback explores the powerful intersection of physical activity, social-emotional learning (SEL), and mental health with Dr. Eduardo Bustamante, a leading public health researcher, and Jim Dower, Executive Director of Urban Initiatives. The episode delves into how high-quality, sports-based youth development programs can nurture resilience, emotional regulation, and academic success—especially in underserved communities. Dr. Bustamante brings a research perspective, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive, evidence-based approaches that scale equitably. Jim Dower shares practical insights from the field, explaining how Urban Initiatives embeds SEL into soccer-based programming across Chicago, serving over 70,000 children. Listeners will hear about the structural barriers to equitable access in youth sports, the importance of intentional SEL integration, and how coaches become mentors who foster real-time growth in young people. The conversation offers a hopeful vision for expanding access and impact. This episode is a must-listen for educators, coaches, parents, and community leaders who believe in the transformational power of youth sports. Urban Initiatives: urbaninitiatives.org

In this special episode, we’re joined by three dynamic guests to explore how the InPACT (Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with Activity) program is transforming the school day—and student outcomes—through simple, effective movement breaks. 🎙 Dr. Rebecca Hasson, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and Director of the Childhood Disparities Research Lab, shares the research and equity-driven foundation behind InPACT. 🏫 Principal Heidi Roy-Borland of Whitmore Lake Elementary discusses how her school embraced a culture of wellness that supports both health and academic success. 👟 Aimee Taylor, PE teacher and wellness champion, offers a frontline perspective on how movement is energizing students beyond the classroom. You’ll hear how this research-backed, classroom-friendly program is improving attention, behavior, and student engagement—especially in under-resourced communities. From daily classroom routines to statewide adoption plans, this episode provides a 360-degree look at how schools are using movement to drive equity and excellence. Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this is your inside look at how small movement breaks can spark lifelong habits and healthier school cultures. Learn more about InPACT.

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!