Let’s Talk Youth Sports: A Series for Sports Parents
Overview
Real answers for parents of young athletes. Three sessions with Athletic Director / Coach Mike Allen.
Every sports parent has questions. Almost nobody gets real answers.
Should your kid specialize or keep playing three sports? What are high school coaches actually looking for? How do you keep your athlete in love with the game when the pressure starts building? Why does every other parent in the group chat seem to have a plan you never got?
These are the conversations happening at your kitchen table. This series brings them into a room with someone who has spent a career on both sides of them.
Meet your guide
Mike Allen was not supposed to be a basketball player.
A three-sport high school athlete recruited to the University of Washington for football and baseball, Mike turned that down to follow a coach who believed in him. He went on to become a three-time All-American and three-time National Champion in basketball, the sport nobody had recruited him for.
Today he is a Director of Athletics, coach, and youth sports leader with a Master's degree in Sports Management and Leadership, a Sports Illustrated featured coach, a High School Hall of Fame inductee, and a three-time Coach of the Year. He brings decades of experience developing student-athletes and building athletic programs to San Diego parents working to understand, support, and navigate their child's youth sports journey.
One coach changed what was possible for him. That is what he is here to talk about.
Invest in the Athlete. Elevate the Family.
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Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 AM, in person at A7D Creative Group
The jump to high school sports is one of the biggest seasons in a student-athlete's life, and most families walk into it blind. This session covers what coaches are evaluating before your athlete ever steps on the field, how to prepare academically and athletically at the same time, the common mistakes that cost kids a roster spot, and practical ways to build confidence before day one. Whether your athlete is chasing varsity or just wants to enjoy the experience, you will leave with a roadmap.
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Saturday, September 12 at 12:00 PM, in person at A7D Creative Group
Today's young athletes face more distraction, pressure, and burnout than any generation before them. This session gives parents practical strategies to keep their athlete motivated and confident: how to build a healthy sports environment at home, how to balance competition with enjoyment, how to develop resilience through a bad season, and how to help your athlete build habits that hold up long after the last game.
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Tuesday, September 15th at 6:30PM, live on Zoom
Free with registration
Session 1 gets your athlete through the door. This one covers the four years that follow. Coach Allen walks families through training expectations, how to communicate with coaches without becoming that parent, academic eligibility, recruiting timelines and when they actually start, character development, and how to build a personal plan for your athlete. Interactive format with time for questions throughout. This session is our open invitation to San Diego sports families. Register free and we will send the link when the date is confirmed.
What your ticket includes
A 30-minute presentation built for your athlete's specific stage
Live Q&A facilitated by attorney Rory Pendergast, where no question is off limits
Light refreshments from North Park small businesses
A complimentary Game Day SWAG Bag, 1 per paid ticket.
A room full of San Diego sports parents who are figuring out the same things you are
Details
$20 for two attendees - for one in-person session, or $35 for both sessions.
Sessions 1 and 2 are held at A7D Creative Group in North Park. Session 3 is free with registration, held live on Zoom, and the link goes out to registered families ahead of time.
Presented by Rory Law Firm.
Hosted at A7D Creative Group
Space is limited, register today!
FREQUENTLY ASKS QUESTIONS?
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Parents are the primary audience and athletes are welcome, but the event is really intended to give sports parents a fun day out.
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One ticket covers (2) people and (1) swag bag per paid ticket.
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Yes. Each session stands on its own. Sessions 1 and 2 are $20 each or $35 for both, and Session 3 on Zoom is free to anyone who registers.
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Plenty of street parking available in the neighborhood or the North Park Parking Garage is located on 29th Street and North Park Way.