Supporting Youth Athletes

In a recent conversation on my YouTube channel with Pujji, we spoke about something very close to our hearts: the role corporates can play in helping cricketers upskill and stay ready for the next phase of their careers. Today, so many young players give everything to domestic cricket. But once that chapter ends, many of them are unsure about what comes next. Not because they lack talent or commitment, but because they never had access to structured training in areas outside cricket. This is where corporate involvement can create real impact. Whether it’s: career guidance, management education, training, leadership and communication workshops, fitness, wellness, or mental conditioning sessions, exposure to job opportunities after retirement. All of these can give players the confidence and choice they deserve. If we can create programs where corporates, state associations, and the BCCI work together, identifying players early (U-16, U-19, U-23) and supporting them through their journey, it can transform the ecosystem. Players will not only be better cricketers, they will become more prepared human beings. I truly believe that with the right support, many domestic players can go on to become successful coaches, managers, administrators, and leaders. Education opens those doors. This is why conversations like these matter. And this is why I hope more organisations step forward to build long-term, meaningful initiatives for our cricketers, the sport in general.

"If you only make them a better player on the field, boy, you have lost a great opportunity" Tony Dungy was head coach for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. In this video he provides some guidance for young coaches. Personally, I think this is great information for coaches of all ages and leaders in industry. Coach Dungy speaks about the importance of: 1) Getting to know your players 2) Connecting with players This approach fits very nicely with Ryan and Deci's (2000) model of self-determination theory, and in particular the basic psychological need of relatedness. When a coach gets to know his or her players and has a connection, it fulfils an athlete's basic psychological need of relatedness. The need for relatedness includes an athlete’s need to feel cared for by significant others such as a coach or team mates (Duda, 2013) and a secure sense of belongingness (Amorose, 2007). Techniques for coaches to enhance perceptions of relatedness 1) Develop the coach-athlete relationship The coach-athlete relationship is key to an athlete’s psychological needs being met (Amorose, 2007; Meageau and Vallerand, 2003), so coaches could work on developing their relationship with players and managing any conflict when or if it arises. 2) Promote positive relationships with other players  Coaches who work in team sports could devise activities that foster camaraderie among players to ensure that all players feel valued. This could also be achieved by not encouraging competition among team mates, or placing very little emphasis on the results of such competitions. Team building activities may also help athletes feel a sense of relatedness. 3) Listen and acknowledge – Coaches should listen to what their athletes say and acknowledge the feelings of athletes, rather than disregard such feelings (Amorose, 2007). This will help create trust between athletes and coaches, which is important in helping people feel cared for (Tessier et al., 2010). 4) Involve parents (IF COACHING YOUNG ATHLETES)  Amorose (2007) suggested that coaches should play an active role in involving an athlete’s parents, especially among younger athletes. This is supported by more recent research (e.g., Amorose et al., 2016; Gaudreau et al., 2016) who demonstrated the importance of autonomy support from parents. As such, coaches could provide information to parents regarding how they can be more supportive to their children and fulfil their basic psychological needs better. 

10 years ago, EY & ESPN teamed up to understand the impact that sports have on shaping women leaders. They found that 94% of female c-suite execs played sports.💪 Fast forward, and the Women's Sports Foundation took a refreshed look at the connection between sports & leadership for women today. ⬇️ The new report from titled, "Play to Lead: The Generational Impact of Sport on Women's Leadership," is a refreshed look at how the skills, traits, and experiences gained from playing sports helps girls become leaders in the workforce and beyond. Specifically, the study looks at the impact of Title IX, and how the expansion in school-sponsored teams for girls & women brought about by Title IX correlate with increased adult leadership roles, reinforcing the need to fully protect & enforce Title IX. Some key findings include: 🏅 71% of women with formal leadership roles held titles like Manager, Director, President, or C-suite Executive, and the longer girls play sports, the more likely they are to hold these leadership roles. 🏆 A significant 67% of women believe the skills they learned from sports carried into adulthood. 💪 Half of women credit the skills acquired through sports for their leadership development. 💼 69% of women who played sports held at least one formal leadership role outside of the family. ✨Why is this research important?✨ These findings from the are the latest proof points for the prioritization of youth sport participation - especially for girls. When girls play sports it creates a vibrant leadership pipeline that benefits society & bolsters the economy. This research emphasizes why Title IX is so important and why sports are not a nice-to-have, but a must-have for all girls. It underscores why we all need to be working together to create a future where the playing field is truly equitable for all. Because when girls play sports, everyone wins.⚡️ Read the full report from the Women's Sports Foundation here: https://lnkd.in/ej9kipXs

It’s something to watch: kids running, dodging, negotiating space — rarely bumping into each other despite the speed. It looks playful, but it teaches so much Why games matter: 𝟭. 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. Outdoor play builds stamina, coordination, and healthy bodies. 𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. Puzzles, board games, and thoughtful video games sharpen thinking and creativity. 𝟯. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. Team sports teach rules, leadership, discipline, and how to trust one another. 𝟰. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. Play helps kids manage disappointment, celebrate wins, and try again. There’s a business lesson tucked in there. These kids coordinate under pressure, make split-second decisions, and keep a shared rhythm — often showing more strategic agility than boardroom debates. They improvise with simple tools, use vision over budget, and convert energy into focused action. If you want a quick experiment to bring some of that magic into your team: 1. Run a playful 15-minute problem-solving challenge. 2. Mix teams randomly and give a tiny shared goal. 3. Debrief quickly: what worked, what surprised you, what would you try next? Play isn’t frivolous — it’s formative. When we protect and encourage it, we help build people who are fitter, smarter, more creative, and better at working together. What game from your childhood made you better at teamwork? Share a memory — I’ll highlight a few. 🎯 Follow Gaurav Tomar 🇮🇳 for more. #Play #ChildDevelopment #Teamwork #Creativity #Leadership #LearningThroughPlay

Well-being and mental health care for sports participants and competitors can start with... -Psychologically Safe Environments: where the thoughts, feelings, experiences and personalities of its participants are considered when striving to understand behaviour (and when considering every policy, every practice, and every process). “Who is the person and why do they behave in this way...and how can we best behave and interact with this person.” -An attitude that every person counts: if they’re here, then we care! -Psychological safety: giving participants a voice in policy, practice, and process...and where participants are given a safe space to express vulnerability (while appreciating individual differences in attitude towards such safety) -Motivational climate: leaning towards a mastery orientation (a focus on developmental and performance tasks), while appreciating individual differences in motivational patterns, from internal (feeding intrinsic rewards) to external (feeding extrinsic rewards). -Safe uncertainty (thanks Dr Suzanne Brown): providing safety with the above approaches, while providing an environment that stretches (a balance between stretch and support). -Coach-athlete relationships that are close, committed, co-operative, and co-orientated (see work of Professor Sophia Jowett) -Optimal coaching engagement: a range of coaching practices from free play through deliberate practice through conditioned activities -Coach with strong teaching skills to enhance learning: a strong knowledge of cognitive architecture of the brain (working memory and long term memory) helping players to enjoy the process of learning -Teaching that encompasses decision-making: a strong knowledge of decision-making models -Comprehensive player development plans: what, how, why...providing players with greater certainty as to where they are with their game -Mental skills frameworks for all...shared! -Leadership and teamship development on and off the pitch (court): simple, practical ideas that give players the opportunity to experience leadership and develop both task and social cohesion -Incorporation of positive psychology practices including gratitude, optimism etc where possible Mental health and well-being in a sports setting starts with helping players have an adaptive, flexible, and positive relationship with engagement, development and performance (that isn’t to suggest that it is highly recommended that clubs with resources offer access to appropriately trained clinical professionals for mental health education and intervention, but it is to say that coach practice and coach environment matter!) It’s so important that our biggest sporting organisations/clubs sit with complexity, and strive to understand the dynamic sporting environment their participants are engaged in (and avoid making isolated and arbitrary decisions around their mental health strategies) Performance, development, mental health, and well-being are heavily integrated

The athletes winning in NIL aren’t the loudest. They’re the most prepared. When you look at the top NIL earners in college football, the money isn’t random. It’s the result of preparation and programs that are developing scholar athletes at a high level. What those athletes are prepared in: Brand readiness They know who they are, what they represent, and how to show up consistently. Their image is clean and market ready. Media and communication skills They’re comfortable on camera and clear in interviews. Brands can activate immediately. Professional infrastructure Agents, advisors, compliance, and financial guidance are already in place, protecting the athlete and speeding execution. Performance and visibility alignment They produce on the field and operate in high exposure environments. Performance creates demand. Visibility multiplies it. Decision making and reliability They’re selective, consistent, and deliver on what they commit to. Here’s the part that gets missed: Schools doing scholar athlete development at a high level are preparing athletes in these same areas holistically. They’re teaching communication, financial literacy, professionalism, and identity alongside performance. That preparation doesn’t just drive NIL success. It prepares athletes for leadership and life beyond sport. #NIL #ScholarAthlete #AthleteDevelopment #CollegeFootball #HolisticDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #Leadership #FinancialLiterac

I regularly get asked what my role is, and often find it difficult to explain, a lot of the work that player support/care professionals do often goes under the radar as it can be sensitive and confidential to the needs of the player. It’s certainly a role that deserves more recognition for the impact they have within a high performance environment. Like so many roles, if people do not see it or experiance it themselves then it’s hard to relate or understand. To summarise some key points of my role to date: A player support/care officer generally focuses on managing the well-being and needs of the players & serves as a bridge between the players and the club, acting as a point of contact and support for the players in various aspects of their professional and personal lives. 🗣️Communication and Relationship Building: I help to establish and maintain open lines of communication between the players, coaching staff, and club management, build strong relationships with the players, gaining their trust and ensuring that their concerns and needs are heard and addressed. 🤝Player Support: I provide support to players in various areas, including relocation assistance, and accommodation arrangements, help navigate administrative processes and ensure they have access to necessary resource and services. 💼Personal and Professional Development: I assist players in their personal and professional development. This may involve workshops or training sessions on topics such as financial management, media training, career transition, and education opportunities. I also offer guidance and advice around opportunities beyond football. 🫶🏻Player Welfare and Well-being: I’m responsible for the welfare and well-being of the players. I coordinate with the club's medical staff to ensure players receive appropriate physical and mental health care. I also provide support in managing stress, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and accessing external support services if needed. 🤗Cultural Integration and Community Engagement: I support our international players & players from different cultural backgrounds, assisting in their cultural integration and adjustment to the new environment, as well as introducing them to community engagement opportunities. ‼️Crisis Management: I am responsible for dealing with any crisis situations that may arise in the players' lives, such as personal emergencies, legal issues, or media controversies. I provide guidance, support, and confidentiality, ensuring that players receive the necessary assistance while minimising negative impacts on their professional careers. Overall, my role is to be a dedicated support system for players, aiming to enhance their overall experience, well-being, and performance within the club. Creating a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive both on and off the pitch. It’s often a thankless job, but the intrinsic wins that only I see, makes it worthwhile. #football

TALENT ID through the Female Lens | The Holistic Football Player Profile The profile is a way of seeing the player fully: not just skills, but a person on a football journey. It helps us recognize potential, protect it, & develop it intentionally. In women’s football, the pathway is not always equal: access, minutes, coaching, competition standards, confidence, & data availability can vary from one player to the next. That means talent isn't always perfect. This model gives us a shared language to understand why she looks the way she does today & what becomes possible with the right environment. At the center is the Player Profile: a living picture of strengths, constraints, & trajectory shaped by her football DNA, her role, her age & stage, & her learning environment. Around that profile sit six domains that are always connected: •Game Intelligence & Tactical Awareness •Football Action & Execution •Physical & Biological •Psychological & Self-Regulation •Social & Relational •Developmental Potential Together they help us answer two questions with more accuracy & care: 1.Identification: What are we truly seeing & what might we be missing? 2.Development: What does this player need to grow, thrive, & perform at the highest level? How it works 1.We start with the game & where the women’s game is going Every club, federation has a way of playing: principles, intentions, & a football identity. That becomes the foundation for what we value & what we look for. From there, we translate it into: •Key qualities (what matters most in your football) •Traits & position profiles (what it looks like per role) •Ages & stages (what is realistic and meaningful at each development phase) So we are not identifying “generic talent.” We are identifying football talent for a purpose: for a specific way of playing, at a specific stage, with a clear development pathway. 2.We observe players through the six domains We don’t evaluate players only by outcomes or highlights. We look at behaviors & patterns: what the player repeatedly does, how she adapts & how she responds to pressure. This matters in the women’s game, where environment & opportunity shape what we get to see. 3.We connect selection & development on purpose This is the core difference: we don’t use the profile to label a player. We use it to support the player, guide the coaching, shape the environment, & monitor progression. Identification becomes more accurate. Development becomes more aligned. Potential becomes harder to lose. The Female lens: changes the quality of our interpretation. It helps us separate: •Ability from opportunity •Performance from potential •Confidence from safety •Polish from trajectory It reminds us that many female players develop through “messy” pathways & that talent can emerge late, fast, & powerfully when the environment finally matches the player. So instead of asking: “Is she ready today?” We also ask: “What could she become with the right support, minutes, & learning?”

Research supports this, showing that 88% of Division I NCAA athletes played multiple sports as kids. Athletes who specialize early are at a higher risk of burnout, and studies show high specialization at a young age carries an increased risk of stress, anxiety, social isolation, and even an early departure from the sport they once loved. In fact, 43% of NCAA athletes wish they’d spent more time playing other sports growing up. Injury prevention is another significant benefit of multi-sport participation. Studies show that only 24% of multi-sport athletes experienced serious injuries, compared to 46% of those who specialized in a single sport. When you play only one sport, you often repeat the same motions and stresses on your body, increasing the risk of overuse injuries. By switching between sports, I allowed my muscles and joints to recover and develop in new ways, ultimately lowering my risk of injury and keeping me on the field season after season.

🎮 In a world of screens, gaming, and AI, youth sports matter more than ever. If your weekends look anything like mine, you're probably racing between youth sports games with cleats in the trunk, snacks in the back seat, and a schedule that would make a logistics team proud. Yes, it's tiring. But it's also one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s future. 💡 Because sports help your children engage the REAL world physically, mentally, and emotionally, and therefore teach what technology can't: 💪 Perseverance – pushing through when it gets hard 🧠 Humility – learning to win with class and lose with grace 🗣️ Leadership – stepping up when it matters most 🤝 Teamwork – working with different personalities toward one goal ⏱️ Time management – balancing sports, school, and life in real time 📊 Here's what the data shows: 94% of women in the C-suite played sports growing up 68% of top CEOs competed in college athletics Over half of Fortune 500 CEOs were high school athletes. These aren’t just fun stats; they are proof points that sports develop leaders. As AI continues to evolve, technical skills will be more accessible than ever. What will stand out are the human traits, character, resilience, and emotional intelligence. So if you're juggling practices, hauling gear, and cheering on your kids, keep going. You're not just raising athletes. 🏆 You’re raising future-ready, grounded leaders. What lessons are your kids learning from sports that no screen could ever teach? 👇 I’d love to hear your thoughts. #YouthSports #Leadership #Parenting #AI #Grit #Humility #FutureOfWork #Teamwork #ScreenTimeVsGameTime #CharacterDevelopment #SportsMatter