Interview w/ Coach Ian Stover - How Dad's Can Support Their Child Athlete

In this episode of Dare to Dad, hosts Dr. Lester Clowes and Dr. Bobo Blankson interview Coach Ian Stover. Ian has spent more than 20 years coaching soccer and goalkeepers across all levels of the sport. They discuss the impact of parental pressure on young athletes and emphasize the importance of ensuring that sports remain fun for children. They delve into the evolution of youth sports, the role of parents, and how to choose the right coach. Coach Ian shares his insights on balancing being a dad and a coach, and the significance of allowing children to define their own sports journey. The episode also explores gender differences in sports and offers advice for parents whose children aren't top-tier athletes.

Link to Dan Blank's Amazon Author Page - The soccer author mentioned during the show. 

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TIME STAMPS

01:59 Special Guest: Coach Ian's Background

05:14 Coach Ian's Coaching Philosophy

12:19 The Influence of Social Media on Youth Sports

16:41 Choosing the Right Coach for Your Child

20:23 Balancing Fatherhood and Coaching

24:24 Dealing with Kids Losing Interest in Sports

31:57 Should Every Kid Play Sports?

35:44 Balancing Pressure and Enjoyment

39:29 Understanding Your Child's Goals in Sports

41:43 The Role of Parents in Supporting Athletic Dreams

51:33 Coach Ian’s Final Piece of Advice for Dads