From the Sidelines :Youth Sports Foundation podcast shares the real stories, practical guidance, and community spirit behind youth sports.
Our mission is to support families, coaches, and coordinators with conversations that educate, inspire, and celebrate the values we stand for — fun, fundamentals, opportunity, and community.
Each episode helps strengthen the people who make youth sports possible and empowers every child to grow through sport.
Ep. 7 - Building Confidence Through Cheer: A Conversation with Tara Woodley
Denver Cheer Coordinator Tara Woodley shares what youth cheer is really like, breaks common misconceptions, explains how athletes build confidence and teamwork, and previews an exciting upcoming YSF Cheer Showcase in Iowa.
17 Jun 2026
Ep. 6 - Why Every Kid Should Try Track & Field
The conversation with Ross DeLong covers his extensive involvement in youth sports, particularly in Durant, Iowa. He discusses his roles in football, basketball, and track, highlighting the unique aspects of the YSF track program. Ross shares his experiences, challenges, and motivations for staying involved in youth sports.
Takeaways
Youth sports involvement
Unique aspects of YSF track program
26 Apr 2026
Ep. 5 - 28 Years as a YSF Official with Nick Nietzel
The conversation with Nick Nitzel, a 28-year YSF official, provides insights into the world of youth sports officiating and the impact it has on kids, parents, and coaches. Nick shares his experiences, perspectives, and advice for those interested in getting involved in youth sports officiating.
Takeaways
Respect for Officials
Youth Sports Officiating
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Officiating
09:11 Youth Tackle Football and Safety
19:11 The Role of Officials and Misconceptions
24:41 The Fun Side of Officiating
31:35 Motivation and Conclusion
1 Apr 2026
Ep. 4 - What the IHSAA Wants Every Parent & Coach to Know
The conversation explores the connection between youth sports and high school programs, the role of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, trends and changes in Iowa high school football, the importance of youth sports in high school sports, and the potential impact of structured differences on the future of Friday nights without youth participation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of youth sports in preparing athletes for high school sports and the community impact of structured youth sports programs. The conversation covers various themes related to youth involvement in sports, player safety, heat acclimatization, tackle football concerns, parent-child alignment, impact of participation levels, concerns about participation and officials, challenges and solutions for declining participation, name, image, and likeness (NIL) in high school sports, and a memorable state championship experience.
Takeaways
Youth sports play a crucial role in preparing athletes for high school sports
The Iowa High School Athletic Association has a significant impact on the development and trends of high school sports in Iowa Youth involvement in sports is crucial for holistic development.
Player safety and coaching techniques play a significant role in high school sports.
Chapters
00:00 The Connection Between Youth Sports and High School Programs
10:33 Trends and Changes in Iowa High School Football
16:21 Structured Differences and the Future of Friday Nights
23:27 Heat Acclimatization and Safety Protocols
29:30 Impact of Participation Levels on High School Football
36:23 Challenges and Solutions for Declining Participation
4 Mar 2026
Ep. 3 - Doing Youth Sports the Right Way with Joe Payne
The conversation with Joe Payne, a regional director for the Youth Sports Foundation, covers the role and responsibilities of a regional director, the mission and approach of YSF in communities, the challenges and experiences in youth sports, and the impact of parenthood on sports involvement. Key takeaways include the importance of consistency, communication, and trust in the YSF program.
Takeaways
Regional directors are the link between the Youth Sports Foundation and the community.
Consistency and opportunity are key aspects of the Youth Sports Foundation's approach to youth sports.
Communication and trust are essential in resolving issues and concerns within the program.
Chapters
00:00 Impact of Parenthood on Youth Sports Involvement
18 Feb 2026
Ep. 2 - Parent Voice: Lindsey Phillips
The conversation covers the importance of youth sports in child development, the impact of the Youth Sports Foundation, the role of parents in youth sports, and the ideal youth sports experience. It also emphasizes the need for kids to develop at their own pace and the significance of fun, fundamentals, and opportunity in youth sports.
Takeaways
Youth sports should focus on fun, fundamentals, and opportunity
Encouraging kids to develop at their own pace is important
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Foundation Podcast
09:27 Introducing Lindsay Phillips
16:29 The Youth Sports Foundation and its Impact
22:36 Empowering Kids to Choose Their Sports
30:09 Exposure to Different Sports and Developmental Pace
28 Jan 2026
Ep. 1 - The Making of YSF with Dan Nietzel
The conversation delves into the birth of the Youth Sports Foundation, Dan's journey in youth football, the legacy and future of the foundation, and concludes with closing remarks and a call to action. Key takeaways include the foundation's role in community building, leadership development, and the impact of youth sports on individuals and the community.
Takeaways
Community Building
Youth Sports Foundation
Leadership Development
Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Youth Sports Foundation
12:16 Dan's Journey in Youth Football
36:32 Legacy and Future of Youth Sports Foundation
43:02 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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