As a parent, it is natural to want your child to succeed. You want them to train well, play confidently, and stand out in their sport. But many parents — with the best intentions — make mistakes that can actually slow down their child’s progress. Here are the top things parents often get wrong about youth sports performance — and how to shift into the role your child truly needs you to play. Mistake 1: Believing More Training Equals Better Results Overtraining is a common iss

Speed and agility are two of the most in-demand qualities for any young athlete. Whether your child plays football, tennis, rugby, netball or athletics, developing quick feet, explosive movement, and directional control can give them a real edge. But most drills shared online are either too advanced, too repetitive, or not age appropriate. Children aged between 6 to 16 need movement training that is fun, focused, and functional — not just exhausting. At Create an Athlete, our

Most people hear the term “sports psychologist” and assume it is only for elite athletes or those dealing with serious mental blocks. But the truth is, children aged between 6 to 16 benefit more from sports psychology than almost any other age group. This is the stage where mindset habits are formed. Confidence, focus, emotional regulation, and response to failure are all being shaped in real time. If these habits are built the wrong way, your child may begin to fear pressure

Especially for kids aged between 6 to 16, performance is about development, not just results. The way a child is coached, supported, and parented during this stage can either unlock their potential or create long-term stress around sport. At Create an Athlete, we take a practitioner-led approach to sports development. We understand that performance at a young age must combine the physical, mental, emotional, and even social aspects of a child’s growth. Below, I break down the