Love What You Play

Nick grew up in Wales and completed his undergraduate and masters degrees in the UK, before coming to Canada to complete his PhD at the University of Alberta in 2002. He is currently a Professor and Vice Dean (Research). Nick began coaching when he was 18, and spent five summers in the US working for Major League Soccer camps. He currently coaches at youth and adult levels in Edmonton. For fun, he runs ultramarathons, with his favourites being Sinister 7, Canadian Death Race, and Blackfoot Ultra. Table of Contents 0:00 - Intro 2:20 - Growing up and free play 4:45 - Challenges that youth sports parents face 9:05 - Multisport participation 15:56 - How organizations can try to reverse attrition rates 23:20 - Top 3 characteristics of great coaches 25:15 - Clare Drake and practice tips 28:49 - Nick’s research on free play and coaching 33:00 - Focusing on long-term athlete development 36:55 - Positive Youth Development (PYD) resources 40:20 - Role of organizations and coaches 42:50 - Youth s