There has been a lot of ink devoted to the important role training and nutrition play in maximizing athletic potential. Yet the value of a good night’s sleep has largely been ignored. But with the recent addition of apps that track sleep patterns and promote the health benefits of a sound sleep, more and more […]

Chris Branscome is adamant. The biggest reason kids have stopped playing youth soccer in our region is that it just isn’t fun. Imagine that, the chance to go outside and run around, hang with friends, kick a ball in the fresh air and perhaps develop a lifelong desire to remain fit doesn’t bring enjoyment anymore. […]

Parental worry and anxiety are normal however, being a sports parent can increase those feelings The worry list for sports parents is long: playing time, bullying, conflicts with coaches or teammates, game-time performance, and injuries.  It’s a parental instinct to want to protect our children. One way we make ourselves feel better is to think about those things […]

Mark Greenburg, youth sports coach and former physical education teacher, says that emotional intelligence is one of the most important gifts sports parents can give their kids. In a recent interview with Ultimate Sports Parent Radio, Greenburg, the author of “Elevated Leadership, a Pitch-by-Pitch Guide to Business, Life, and Baseball” said, “The biggest mistake parents make: They […]

Youth sports refs really haven’t changed much in the 25 years since I watched my oldest daughter’s first game. Over the years, I’ve seen refs who called way too much or way too little and many many many “bad” calls. When my kids were playing youth sports, I often found myself yelling at the officials […]

Take a spin through the nearest grocery store, or rummage through the cooler at any party, and you’re bound to encounter a can of carbonated water. The market, which used to be dominated by LaCroix, Perrier, and San Pellegrino, is home to a robust class of newcomers like Bubly, Spindrift, and Waterloo. And Topo Chico, formerly an under-the-radar classic, has developed a […]

High school coach’s legacy and impact on the St. Louis hockey community lives on with his team

It’s not just toddlers who struggle around bedtime. Older kids can also have trouble getting the sleep they need, especially around back to school season. Mom blogger Kristen Hewitt shares 6 sleep aids to ensure your child is well-rested and ready to learn! WAKE-UP CLOCKS If your kid is grumpy when you draw the curtains […]

When it comes to coaching Generation Z, technology is the key to communication.  The players of today, from Generation Z, have never known life without Siri, Alexa, Smartphones and Wi-Fi.  According to the American Psychological Association, Generation Z consists of anyone born after 2005, so essentially every athlete on the field in the 14U bracket. […]

Practical guidelines for modifying or cancelling Sports Practices.  In deciding when it is too hot to play sports depends on the heat index.  In modifying or cancelling sports practices, keep in mind the following: Hot, dry weather can be extremely dangerous. Because sweat evaporates very quickly in such conditions, your child won’t feel sweaty, and neither […]