The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your cheerleading team’s kit, your coaches & your skills
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills
- Use cheerleading as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Cheerleading Sporting Journey’.
U7 Highlights
- Use cheerleading as the perfect opportunity to discuss and manage situations
- Learn and set conditioning exercises with our coaches and create games along the way
- Complete a range of challenges and compare top records with your fellow cheerleaders
- Helping you to reflect & improve both physically and mindfully as a cheerleader
- Begin to connect with your senior team cheerleaders and learn from them
U9 Highlights
- Discover how you are a gymnastics Superhero and complete gymnastics Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good team member and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use gymnastics as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first gymnastics routines.
There is very rarely a one size fits all approach and yet there are so many things for us to navigate as parents in order to give our young sports people the very best support that we can.
This book explores the sports parenting journey and the different stages our children will go through.
It provides opportunities for reflection, explores different scenarios you may encounter and offers a range of tools and strategies that you can experiment with.
We want your child to reach their potential both in and out of their sport and want you to be able to enjoy it, guiding and encouraging them whilst setting them up for success in whatever walk of life they may end up in.
Ultimately without you we don’t have youth sports and we felt it was time to acknowledge and support the amazing sports parents out there.
The book features a host of interviews with Olympians, professional sportsmen and women, junior athletes and their families who all share their personal experiences of being involved in the sporting journey.
There has never been enough support, information, tips and independent advice for sports parents. Until now. I’m delighted to endorse the great work that Gordon and his team have undertaken to provide guidance. It’s all based on common sense and lived experiences of teaching sport, parenting athletes and understanding human behaviour.
This book fills a huge gap in sport and life in modern society, providing much-needed support for parents to ensure their children
thrive in sport. (It also applies to the world of academics, music, theatre and other high performance pursuits.) With huge drop-out rates and diminishing rates of health across the population, Gordon and Sarah’s expertise shows us how youth experiences of sport can and should
be positive in both the short-term and longer-term.
This book touches on an area that has remained largely untapped but to me remains one of, if not the most key aspect in the complex picture of talent development, that of the role of parents/guardians. It is full of rich experiential learning, written in a manner that captures the important aspects whilst being easy to understand and apply. Gordon and Sarah have produced a timely and usable text that can help any parent/guardian whose child is involved in a sports performance environment.
As a former athlete, national team coach, member of a sports national governing body, a safeguarding sport educator and now also the parent of an athlete myself, I consider this book essential reading for both parents (and coaches!) in creating a holistic approach to athlete development and welfare, that centres the child’s voice and individual progress and allows them to thrive in the sport they love
I have been aware for some time of the excellent work that both Gordon MacLelland and Sarah Murray do in the world of sport. I am delighted that they have come together to produce this book which I’m sure will make a significant contribution to creating a sustainable culture in performance sport.
A couple of years ago, I had a vague idea about writing a book like this, realising how helpful it would be to share psychological theory and practical ideas with parents and carers who support young athletes. I’m delighted that Sarah and Gordon got it done, and did it so well – there’s a wealth of information contained in these pages, packaged up in an engaging and accessible style. Well done guys!
This book is the ultimate game changer for the sporting parent but also parents in general. Full of golden nuggets. A must read
I read this with my parents hat on. Despite being involved in young people’s performance sport for well over 20 years, I still looked at this through the parent lens – looking at each scenario as I take my boys to the huge variety of sports they do. That’s because despite being well versed in what I should be doing based on good practice and research, when the emotion of being a parent kicks in, everything goes out of the window and we do things that we wouldn’t ordinarily do. That’s why I have some sympathy when parents lose their minds! This book helps you reflect and is a great addition to parent and carer resources. It’s based on a series of questions to ask yourself and reflect on. We can’t be perfect parents ever – but we can be better.
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
Under 5 Highlights
Draw & colour pictures of your swimming group’s outfit, your coaches & your skills.
Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
Use swimming as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the local pool / garden.
Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Swimming Sporting Journey’.
Under 7 Highlights
Discover how you are a swimming Superhero and complete swimming Ninja challenges.
Learn about growing as a good club member and begin to reflect on your development.
Use swimming as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in your local pool.
Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully as you learn new swimming skills.
Under 9 Highlights
Use swimming as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage challenging situations.
Learn & set conditioning exercises with your coaches & create games along the way.
Complete a range of challenges & compare top records with your fellow swimmers.
Helping you to reflect & improve both physically & mindfully as a swimmer.
Begin to connect with your senior club swimmers & learn from them.
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
Red Tennis Age 7 and Under
Draw & colour pictures of your tennis kit, your coaches & your skills.
Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
Use tennis as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Tennis Sporting Journey’.
Orange Tennis Ages 9 and Under
Discover how you are a tennis Superhero and complete gymnastics tennis challenges.
Learn about growing as a good club member and begin to reflect on your development.
Use tennis as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family
Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park
Learn about eating well to fuel your body and your mind
Green/Yellow Tennis Ages 11 and Under
Challenge your friends and family to a number of tennis challenges
Start setting some personal goals for what you are hoping to achieve this year
Use tennis as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family
Watch the professionals in action and learn from the best
Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first tennis competitions
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your Gaelic football team’s jersey, your coaches & your skills.
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
- Use Gaelic football as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family .
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Gaelic Football Sporting Journey’.
U7 Highlights
- Discover how you are a Gaelic Superhero and complete Gaelic Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good teammate and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use Gaelic football as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first Gaelic football games.
U9 Highlights
- Use Gaelic football as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage challenging situations.
- Learn about hand passing & the hand to toe as you play & create games along the way.
- Complete a range of challenges & compare top records with your teammates.
- Helping you to reflect & improve both physically & mindfully through games.
- Begin to connect with your senior team or the team you support & learn from them.
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your hurling-camogie team’s jersey, your coaches & your skills.
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
- Use hurling-camogie as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Hurling-Camogie Sporting Journey’.
U7 Highlights
- Discover how you are a Superhero and complete hurling-camogie Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good teammate and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use hurling-camogie as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first hurling-camogie games.
U9 Highlights
- Use hurling-camogie as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage challenging situations.
- Learn about hand passing & dipping as you play & create games along the way.
- Complete a range of challenges & compare top records with your teammates.
- Helping you to reflect & improve both physically & mindfully through games.
- Begin to connect with your senior team or the team you support & learn from them.
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your gymnastics group’s kit, your coaches & your skills.
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
- Use gymnastics as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Gymnastics Sporting Journey’.
U7 Highlights
- Discover how you are a gymnastics Superhero and complete gymnastics Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good club member and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use gymnastics as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first gymnastics routines.
U9 Highlights
- Discover how you are a gymnastics Superhero and complete gymnastics Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good team member and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use gymnastics as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first gymnastics routines.
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your rugby group’s jersey, your coaches & your skills .
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
- Use rugby as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Rugby Sporting Journey’.
U7 Highlights
- Discover how you are a Rugby Superhero and complete Rugby Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good teammate and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use rugby as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first rugby games.
U9 Highlights
- Use rugby as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage challenging situations.
- Learn about catching, passing & tackling as you play & create games along the way.
- Complete a range of challenges & compare top records with your teammates.
- Helping you to reflect & improve both physically & mindfully through rugby games.
- Begin to connect with your senior team or the team you support & learn from them.
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The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your cricket group’s jersey, your coaches & your skills.
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
- Use cricket as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Cricket Sporting Journey’
U7 Highlights
- Discover how you are a Cricket Superhero and complete Cricket Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good teammate and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use cricket as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first cricket games.
U9 Highlights
- Use cricket as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage challenging situations.
- Learn about batting,bowling and fielding as you play & create games along the way.
- Complete a range of challenges & compare top records with your teammates.
- Helping you to reflect & improve both physically & mindfully through cricket games.
- Begin to connect with your senior team or the team you support & learn from them.
The books all have plenty of fun activities for children, encourage plenty of interaction between children and their parents, require plenty of parental involvement whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.
U5 Highlights
- Draw & colour pictures of your football group’s jersey, your coaches & your skills.
- Explore new friendships made and continue to grow socially while learning key life skills.
- Use football as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family .
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Celebrate & reflect on the earliest years of your ‘Football Sporting Journey’.
U7 Highlights
- Discover how you are a Football Superhero and complete Football Ninja challenges.
- Learn about growing as a good teammate and begin to reflect on your development.
- Use football as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage feelings as a family.
- Play a range of fun games & create your own as a family in the garden / park.
- Helping you prepare both physically and mindfully for your first football games.
U9 Highlights
- Use football as the perfect opportunity to discuss & manage challenging situations.
- Learn about ball mastery and tackling as you play & create games along the way.
- Complete a range of challenges & compare top records with your teammates
- Helping you to reflect & improve both physically & mindfully through football games.
- Begin to connect with your senior team or the team you support & learn from them.