Embracing Sportsmanship: A Journey Through Youth Sports and Mental Health



In Episode 42 of "Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families," host Valerie Alston takes us on a journey through the heart of youth sports, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship, mental health awareness, and building strong communities. Joined by guest Justin Bogers, a coach and board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the episode unfolds a powerful narrative about the real purpose behind youth sports.



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The Conversation Begins



Valerie opens the episode by introducing her special guest, Justin, who shares his journey as a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. As a "girl dad," coach, and events coordinator, Justin stresses the importance of integrating mental wellness into youth sports.



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A Learning Moment



The episode dives deep into a personal story shared by Justin, involving a post-game handshake that went wrong. This incident, although unfortunate, serves as a catalyst for a broader discussion about maintaining composure and the responsibility of coaches to model emotional control for their young athletes.



Valerie and Justin emphasize how crucial it is for coaches to recognize their own emotions and reactions. By sharing these experiences, they hope to enlighten fellow coaches and parents about the impact of their behavior on young athletes.



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Teaching Through Vulnerability



Justin candidly discusses how he turned a personal moment of frustration with an umpire into a teaching opportunity. By acknowledging his emotional response and apologizing, he set an example for his players, highlighting the importance of owning mistakes and fostering a safe environment for growth.



Both Valerie and Justin agree that it's crucial for adults to admit their mistakes. This vulnerability not only builds trust but also encourages young athletes to feel secure in expressing themselves and learning from their own mistakes.



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Building a Community



A significant part of the discussion focuses on the role of community in supporting youth sports and mental health initiatives. Justin highlights the success of the You Matter Ankeny Classic for Mental Health, a tournament promoting mental wellness, supported by his local community. This initiative underscores the importance of coming together to address mental health in sports.



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Key Takeaways for Coaches and Parents



The episode wraps up with practical advice for coaches and parents:



- Manage Emotions: Recognize and manage personal emotions as a model for young athletes.

- Embrace Vulnerability: Admit mistakes and use them as teaching moments.

- Foster Community: Support initiatives that integrate mental health awareness into sports.



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Conversation Starters



Valerie provides conversation prompts for listeners, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences with sportsmanship and emotional control.



- Have you ever seen a coach, parent, or player lose their cool at a game? How did it make you feel?

- What are some ways you can calm yourself down even when frustrated?

- Why is it important for coaches and parents to admit when they make mistakes?



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Valerie wraps up the episode by urging coaches and parents to use their human moments as opportunities to teach and inspire young athletes. By focusing on mental health and emotional regulation, both on and off the field, we can help foster a generation of resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals.



If you found this discussion insightful, please consider sharing it with others and staying connected through Valerie's newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter.



Join the conversation and make every car ride count in the journey of personal growth and sportsmanship.


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