Protect the Joy: A Positive, Collaborative Approach to Youth Sport
Monday, April 14, 2025 | 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. PDT | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Join Dr. Amanda Stanec and Richard Way, authors of Protect the Joy: A Positive, Collaborative Approach to Youth Sport, as they share insights on how parents, coaches, and sports leaders can work together to create a more supportive and empowering environment for young athletes. Drawing from years of experience as athletes, coaches, and researchers, they will provide practical strategies for fostering collaboration, empathy, and a lifelong love for physical activity.
Youth sports should be a place where kids thrive—building confidence, developing skills, and most importantly, having fun. Yet, too often, the pressures of competition, misaligned priorities, and poor communication among adults take the joy out of the game. If you want to be part of the solution in youth sports—ensuring that children reap the benefits of teamwork, resilience, and personal growth—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Please note: This webinar will feature Wordly’s live translation and captioning services in French, enhancing accessibility for all attendees.
Presenters
Richard Way
Richard Way is the CEO of the Sport for Life Society and a co-author of the Long-Term Development Framework. He has helped implement this model in over 60 sports across more than 100 countries and has contributed to over 100 resources on sport and physical literacy. Under his leadership, Sport for Life has received national and global recognition, including the Canadian Medical Association’s Award for Excellence in Health Promotion.
Richard has played key roles in major sports organizations, including the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Bid and the International Luge Federation. A former national team athlete in natural luge and an All-Canadian soccer player, he remains passionate about advancing quality sport and physical literacy worldwide.
Amanda Stanec
Dr. Amanda Stanec, originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, played soccer at St. Francis Xavier University. She earned her Master’s in Physical Education Pedagogy and Sport Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a PhD from the University of Virginia, where she was named the top doctoral student.
Dr. Stanec has published over 20 articles and co-authored book chapters on physical education, health, and wellness. She has worked with notable organizations, including the International Olympic Committee and True Sport. She lives in St. Louis with her partner Jim and their three daughters, enjoying an active family life.
Please note: If you are unable to attend the webinar but are interested in purchasing a hard copy of the book, click here!