This book features six stories told by young athletes about their talent development experiences in sport. Each young athlete tells a personal story. They describe their own individual set of circumstances and provide a personal perspective that has been shaped by living in contemporary times. These unique stories are shared in the hope that they may support coaches and parents to better connect with the young athlete’s perspective. When considered together, these individual insights confirm the essence of the talent development experience and they reveal what every parent and coach supporting and developing the young athlete needs to know!

Testimonials
‘Helping young people achieve their potential is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a coach and this book contains many great ideas and thoughts on how to navigate the challenges of developing talent through an athlete’s teenage years. It is a must read for anyone coaching and developing talent in all sports.’ Stuart Lancaster, Director of Rugby Racing 92, former England Rugby Head Coach.

‘As a former Australian netballer, pathway coach and parent of 3 young adults this book highlights many valuable learnings about supporting your child to navigate the bumpy “sport journey” all in one book. Building a relationship with your kids based on unconditional love for them as people not athletes is key. A great read enjoy!’ Jenny Borlase, High Performance Netball Coach, 3 time Netball World Champion for Australia. Mother of Isobel, AU Basketballer, James, AU Football League player and Ella, junior champion Surf Life Saver.

‘At last we have a book that includes the young athlete’s perspective while simultaneously providing the reader tangible take-away’s that have the potential to positively influence youth athlete development. I would highly recommend this book to anyone working in the youth athlete space.’ Duncan Simpson PhD, Director of Personal Development at IMG Academy, Florida USA.

‘The coaching of athletes in any sport is tricky, let alone the added complexities that come with being within a talent pathway. This book is an absolute must for anyone that wants to improve their coaching and help young people maximise their potential.’ Nick Levitt, Head of Coaching at Brighton and Hove Albion FC, English Premier League. Former Head of Coaching at UK Coaching.

‘Few resources focus on the experiences of the athletes themselves. Graham’s book, based on both his extensive academic and practical experience, is a breakthrough in this area, providing an effective guide for all involved in developing athletes towards their potential.’ Craig Pickering PhD, Olympian, Director of Performance Sustainability, Athletics Australia.

This book will provide you with valuable insights into key topics and issues, such as:
◆ How to support young athletes to progress in the sport that is right for them.
◆ How a positive talent development experience relies upon personalised and holistic athlete development.
◆ How to guide the young athlete through competing physical demands and psychological challenges.
◆ Why optimal athlete and coach collaboration relies upon a genuine relationship and authentic communication.
◆ How autonomy, connectedness and a sense of competence are critical to a young athlete’s motivation.
◆ How to teach the young athlete to become the best learner.

The young athlete stories in this book are designed to stand alone and speak for themselves. They provide the young athlete’s perspective on what they need and what they want in their own words. I invite you to listen.

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