172. Will Summer Fun Set My Kid Back in Sports? ASK US ANYTHING #1 — The Pure Athlete Podcast

Jeff, Brad, and Britt tackle real parent questions we've received in our first installment of a practical, no-nonsense Q&A series we call ASK US ANYTHING. From travel ball decisions to tackle football, handling losses, tough coaches, and creating balance in a year-round sports culture, the guys share honest perspectives and insights from their own experiences as parents and coaches.

Key topics include:

Should a dominant 12U baseball player join elite national travel teams that “just show up” for tournaments, or stay local and play with friends?
When is the right age to start tackle football? (Flag vs. full contact, teaching proper tackling technique, and knowing your child)
Helping a 10-year-old who cries after every soccer loss
How to handle a bad umpire who tells your team to “throw in the towel”
Should you let your kid quit a sport when it gets hard?
Tough coaching vs. toxic coaching — where’s the line?
How we manage the tension of wanting to create great summer experiences like summer camp, vacations, and free time with the desire to continue growth in your sport.

The episode closes with a great conversation with Mike Murillo of Academy Camps — a unique sports-specific sleepaway camp that combines high-level coaching and training in a variety of sports with traditional camp fun (no phones, color wars, electives, ropes course, and more). Academy Camps is a smart hybrid option for families who want both athletic development and real summer memories.

Whether you’re navigating tryouts, burnout, playing time, or just trying to do youth sports the right way, this episode is packed with relatable advice you can actually use.

https://academycamps.com