16 - I Left Youth Sports for 14 Years…Here's What I Learned Coming Back

The Sports Parenting Podcast · Apr 7, 2026 · 20m

For the past five years, I've been back in youth sports after more than a decade away from coaching.

I left to pursue the UFC, and coaching, especially at the youth level, was no longer part of my world. Coming back, a lot had changed.

In this episode, I share what I've re-learned, what's been reinforced and what I believe actually matters in youth sports. My intnent is to give you context to work with while making your own decisions as a sports parent.

For online programs, books and more, visit: https://www.charliespaniard.com.