Gareth Rees, a proud Canadian who is a prominent figure in international rugby, discusses the multifaceted nature of youth sports. He emphasizes the importance of community, parental influence, and the need for a balanced approach to sports participation. Rees reflects on his own experiences and the lessons learned through sport, advocating for multi-sport participation and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for young athletes. He also addresses the pressures faced by parents and children in the competitive sports landscape, urging a shift in focus from high performance to holistic development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gareth Rees

04:25 His Passion for Sports

05:45 Parental Behaviour Youth Sports

07:05 Navigating the Business of Youth Sports

08:40 Where Should Parents Look for Direction

11:00 Gareth's Early Sports Journey and Influences

13:40 The Importance of his Parents Modeling Participation in Sports

15:00 Sports Parents and The Fear of "Not Making It"

17:35 The Value of Independence in Youth Sports

20:45 Choosing Rugby: A Personal Journey

23:35 Comparing Canadian and New Zealand Sport Cultures

25:27 Self-Governance in Rugby and Community Values

29:25 Encouraging Inclusivity & Building Self-Worth through Sports

31:55 Barriers to Accessing Sports

35:00 The Future of School Sports

32:51 Enhancing Access to School Sports

39:00 His Parental Approach Youth Sports

42:40 Navigating Pressure in Youth Sports

44:35 Overuse of "Elite" & "High Performance" in Youth Sports

46:30 Identifying Good Coaching Practices

49:05 Red Flags in Coaching

51:05 Values Instilled Through Sports

53:45 Building Community Through Sports

56:40 The Importance of Mentorship in Sports

58:40 The Case for Multi-Sport Participation

01:03:45 Forging a Unique Path in Sports

01:05:40 Access and Affordability in Youth Sports

Resources:

Gareth's Induction Speech at Canada's Sport Hall of Fame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q9WGTaTjgI