Champion Coach Note 1.10.23

Volume 22, Issue 19 | January 17, 2023

Parenting with NEAR Science

The Play Like a Champion philosophy is rooted in both Catholic theology and psychology, seeking to advance a ”holy” sport environment that supports coaching for “whole” athlete development. Science also supports our efforts to create a “Trauma-Informed” sport environment. Young people today are exposed to a variety of situations that may induce trauma. Play Like a Champion provides research-based information to help parents and coaches to be sensitive to trauma and its impact on youth, teaching adults how to respond to the needs of children in a trauma-informed manner, increasing each child's resilience and ability to rebound from challenging circumstances. In the video above, Play Like a Champion Program Director Kristin Sheehan explains the neuroscientific theory of N.E.A.R. Science and how sport parents can actively build their children’s resilience by ensuring their sport experiences provide 5 tangible standards: 1) Safety 2) Belonging 3) Peer Support 4) Choice and 5) Voice. When sports satisfy these benchmarks, they provide a place that can buffer kids from the impact of trauma in their life and build their capacity to respond resiliently. If your child’s sport experience does not satisfy these requirements, it may be best to look for a more positive offering.

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 19:14

2023 Conference Registration Now Open!

As a partner, you're the first to know that registration is now open for the 2023 Play Like a Champion Today Sports Leadership Conference! This year's edition of our annual gathering will be held June 15-16th on at the University of Notre Dame. We look forward to once again bringing together our national community of dynamic leaders to connect with each other, learn from a great lineup of speakers, and be inspired. Register now to get our Early Bird Registration Special for just $499!

We're excited to announce Priscilla Loomis as our first featured speaker, with several more to follow soon. A dynamic speaker, entrepreneur and 2016 Olympian in Track & Field, Loomis brings the "Olympic Mindset" to everyday life, working with high school and college student-athletes as well as professionals from the business world to help them find purpose, overcome obstacles, and become the best versions of themselves. Her message will support this year's theme of Sport for All: Stronger Together. Attendees will once again enjoy two days filled with education, interaction and fun. Click the link below to learn more and be the first to register for this year's conference. We can't wait to see you in June!

Learn More and Register for the 2023 Conference

A Prayer for Coaches

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of sport in our family's life. May we always be grateful for the opportunity our children have to be physically active and have a team experience to learn and grow from. Help me have the Fortitude to guide my child in setting Goals that develop physical skills as well as help my child to be a better person through sport. I pray that I have a deep sense of Justice in supporting the entire team that they may be safe and successful in their play while forming close Relationships with each other. Help me to have the Prudence to support my child as s/he has challenges and failures, allowing my child the Ownership to work through these circumstances independently with my love and your guidance Lord. Finally, help me to have Temperance in keeping sports in the proper perspective by honoring the game and my child's play as praise for our Creator. Amen.

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Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series

PO Box 72, Notre Dame, IN 46556 | [email protected]

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