“Playing at sports is a huge part of childhood. So why are most American kids getting turned off sport by the time they should be really leaping into it? This book takes what we all know—that sport has gone sour and stressful for many parents and kids—and delivers answers with clear ideas for how to guide your child and teenager towards happy physical activity right through their growing up and beyond. Every dilemma you have ever faced seems to have been addressed, in concrete and specific ways, by people who know kids sport inside out, and want to bring it out of the dark place it has sunk into, and make it fun, exuberant, and strengthening once again.” —Steve Biddulph, author of Raising Boys and Manhood
“Elite sports are all too often tarnished by a pervasive win-at-all-costs mentality. But every elite athlete starts as an innocent kid out there playing fun games. Beyond Winning provides common sense, practical guidance to all who value true sport and recognize current youth culture victimizes our children. As parents of three kids playing sports, my wife and I will use this resource to do our best to ensure our kids learn positive lessons in life through sports.”
—Travis Tygart, CEO, United States Anti-Doping Agency
“At a time when—rightly or wrongly—youth sports have become a cultural crucible, so important to so many, it is imperative that our coaches are strong, ethical, and empathetic. Reading this book as both a sportswriter and youth sports coach, I lost track of how often I nodded in agreement about observations or prescriptions. If we’re serious about imbuing sanity and values into the burgeoning youth sports ‘universe,’ I can think of no better way to start than by reading this book.”
—L. J. Wertheim, senior writer with Sports Illustrated and coauthor of Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports are Played
“If we apply the wisdom we find in Beyond Winning, we have a better shot at making youth sports a more positive experience. So, get involved! I did, just as my son and daughter were starting to play soccer nine years ago. I didn't have any big plans back then to change the face of New York City soccer, but one thing sort of leads to another . . . as you will find out. In the end, nothing is more important than the lessons ALL our children can learn from playing on a team where they are encouraged to take risks, learn from their mistakes, accept differences, and persevere. Such experiences serve them their whole lives.”
—Dana DiPrima, Commissioner, West Side Soccer League, NYC; the largest all-volunteer, AYSO region in the United States (4,000 players ages 5 to 18 and 6,000-plus parents, who support more than 400 recreational, tournament and competitive travel teams).