Just Go Play

In this episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Dr. Cassidy Preston from Consistent Elite Performance on Why Mindset Coaching is changing the game for athletes. Cassidy shares his journey as a professional hockey player that led him to get a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology from York University to allow him to help athletes understand what mental skills they need to work on and how to strengthen their mental toughness.Mental toughness is the key to unlocking your potential. Most players are investing a lot in their physical and technical skills, but are underperforming because they have not invested enough in their mental toughness.Hear the discussion on:Why speaking about mental health shouldn't be taboo in sportsThe difference between self-worth and self-confidence What age kids should be exposed to mental performance trainingWhy we need to normalize the ability to think and reflect Cassidy shares how the skills he works with athletes on, support not only their on-ice game but also their training and day-to-day performance.  with a big focus on overcoming limiting belief.Check out Consistent Elite Performance at www.consistenteliteperformance.com or find them on social media:Instagram: @consistenteliteperformanceFacebook:  @ConsistentElitePerformanceTwitter: @CassidyPrestonPodcast: The Consistent Elite Performance PodcastDr. Preston grew up playing minor hockey in North Bay, Ontario, and, like many kids, his emotions got the best of him at times. He would slam his stick, doubt himself, get frustrated, and overthink. He went into slumps, took retaliation penalties, and rode the emotional roller coaster of highs and lows.He worked hard and was fortunate enough to go in the 4th round of the OHL draft and went on to play 5 years of junior hockey, have a short stint in Pro hockey, and finished his career with 5 years of University hockey.Mental toughness is incredibly important, but the problem that he experienced, and many athletes currently do, is that it’s not easy to work on because it is not tangible, especially if you try to do it on your own. This is why one of the core values that he has is to find simple solutions to abstract problems. This drove him to earn his Ph.D. in Sport Psychology from York University.He is now a full-time Sport & Performance Psychology Coach and uses his education, playing career, and coaching experiences to guide hockey players daily on how to strengthen their mental toughness.Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.  Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.

In this episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Ian Mackenzie and Kevin Shier from TOP Sports on the Return of the Multi-Sport Athlete. Ian and Kevin share their journey through sports and how it led them to develop a different multisport academy model focused on creating an environment where competition is a mindset. They are focused on helping athletes set goals and hold themselves accountable to accomplish those goals.Hear the discussion on:Why kids should play multi-sportsHow the structure benefits the schedule for the whole familyWhy the focus on kids learning physical literacy Ian and Kevin share insight on the TOP Sports 4 pillars that they focus their programming around:Quality practice over quantity of games Consistent manageable schedule with cut-offs for each sport  High-quality coaching that uses sports as a medium to teach athletes to be good people  Multi-sport play where the benefits of the training help foster a long term athleteCheck out TOP Sports at www.topsports.ca or find them on social media:Instagram: @topsports.to Facebook:  @TopsportsTorontoTwitter: @TOPsportsTOIan grew up in Toronto, playing every sport he could get involved in. In high school, he played golf, hockey, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and rugby, and credits who he is today to these experiences. While attending Wilfrid Laurier University, Ian began teaching skating lessons privately, sparking a passion for coaching and mentoring youth. Before TOP Sports, Ian was the co-owner of SDH Hockey Experience and has devoted the last 10 years of his life to youth sports, with a particular focus on age-appropriate development and character building. Ian continues to play as many sports as he can as an adult, including men’s league ice hockey, golf, and ball hockey. Kevin grew up in Toronto, playing hockey, football, baseball, and rugby. Kevin is a self-proclaimed “late bloomer”, hitting his athletic potential in his teenage years which led him to an OJHL Championship where he was named MVP, and a scholarship to play Division1 hockey at Union College. After returning home, Kevin attended Ryerson University and briefly ran Shier Hockey Performance before moving over to TOP, helping to create the program. Kevin remains active as an athlete to this day, playing men’s league hockey multiple times a week, ball hockey, tennis, and golf. Kevin and Ian came together over their shared belief in the benefits of multisport play, character building through sport, and evolving youth development practices. They have built TOP Sports from 26 athletes to over 500, and from only offering one sport, to offering four in just over three years. They are driven by a love for what they do and a desire to make a change and offer something different to youth athletes.Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.  Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.

In this episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz bring back Rob Pacas to speak about How Physical Education helps attract, retain, and grow participation in youth sports.Rob shares what he has been doing for the last 10 months since we last spoke to him and how he has been inspiring and motivating people to stay active. Hear the discussion on:Why physical education is critical for the mental health and development of students Why schools need to work together to share information to improve programming across the country How leadership needs to address policy issues and support the professional development of the staffWhy specialists are required in the school system to support proper fundamental movement skill development and encourage free playRob shares how he has been working with schools to support their programming through the pandemic and opportunities there are in communities to build healthier and vibrant people. Check out Fitness in a bag at www.fitnessinabag.ca or find them on social media:Instagram:  @fitness_in_a_bagFacebook:  Fitness in a BagLinkedIn: Rob PacasRob Pacas spent over twenty years as the Director of the Birchmount Exceptional Athlete Program (B.E.A.P). Rob was responsible for training and working with over 200 student-athletes each year from over 40 different sports organizations.​Before teaching, Rob was a National Champion and World University All-Star at the University of Toronto. The Varsity Blues won a National Championship in Soccer in 1988, and his team was inducted into the University of Toronto Hall of Fame.Rob spent over twenty-five years educating teachers through Additional Qualification (AQ) courses at both the University of Toronto and York University. Rob continues to conduct presentations on fitness and fitness topics for OFSSA, OPHEA, and various Boards of Education. Rob travels across Ontario to educate teachers and students.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life.The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this  Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Mark Healy to discuss The Hockey Factory: focused on the development not just winning.Hear Mark's journey as he transitioned from the corporate world to a chance re-encounter that led to being part of The Hockey Factory: a unique facility focused on skill development. Because every player needs a passion for the game and the skill to play.  The Hockey Factory is where an academy meets a gym membership focused on:Providing access to trainers and skill development on your time Focusing on skill development and not on just winning a gameBaseline testing so that you can see your improvementHear the discussion on what The Hockey Factory has pulled from other sports and the unique culture they've developed that they're ready to share with players once restrictions provide a safe environment. Check out The Hockey Factory at www.factoryvicpark.com or find them on social media:Instagram:  @factoryvicparkFacebook:  Factory Vic ParkMark grew up playing AA and AAA hockey in the GTHL and then continued on to play 3 years of Junior hockey.  More recently Mark has 12 years of experience as a volunteer coach in the GTHL.Mark is very passionate about working with young athletes to develop their skills but also their minds, values, and confidence for the gameMark is extremely well connected within the current GTHL landscape and enjoys helping players and their families find the right situations that will put them in the best place to develop.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this  Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Ari Nitikman and Danie Proby to discuss What you can learn from the culture of Ultimate.With a mission to change the culture of all sports, Ari and Danie share what makes Ultimate unique including:Focus on fundamental skill development including running, jumping, and throwingThe guiding principle of the game is: Spirit of the Game where players have to work with the other team on calls and constructive feedbackEmphasis on teamwork. No one player can be the star - the whole team needs to work together as a functioning unit.You can learn more about the programs Elevate Ultimate at www.elevateultimate.com or find them on social media:Twitter: @ELEVATEyourUltiInstagram:  @elevate.ultimateFacebook:  ELEVATE Ultimate Ari Nitikman started playing ultimate when he was in Grade 6. He went on to play semi-professionally for the Vancouver Nighthawks of the MLU and Vancouver Riptide of the AUDL. He became a rookie on Canada's top men’s team, Furious George, when he was 20, which was also when he dropped out of business school to start Elevate Ultimate full time. He has represented U24 Team Canada twice, earning a bronze in the mixed division in 2017, and a silver medal in the open division in 2019. His goal is to represent Canada at the Olympics one day, whether it be playing or coaching. Jocelyn “Danie” Proby started playing ultimate at the University of Victoria in her first year. She quickly became captain, led them to a Canadian National Championship, and their first-ever qualification to the USA College National Championships. She went on to play for Vancouver’s top women’s team, Traffic, until she, unfortunately, tore her ACL. She kicked rehab in the butt and went on to make Team Canada Mixed Masters just three years later. She became the assistant coach of the U20 Team Canada women in that same year, and the head coach of the U24 Team Canada women the next year. Danie has a Physical Education degree as well as her Advanced Coaching Diploma and was the Coaching Director for Ultimate Peace. Her goal is to represent Canada at the Olympics one day.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Mark Harrison on Racism: Awareness to Action.Mark wants to change the world, for the better and is a big believer in purpose. He has over 30 years of experience-driven sponsorship and marketing expertise where he has learned how strategically thoughtful storytelling can engage, influence, and motivate audiences in immeasurable ways. Never one to rest, Mark also sits on the Board of Directors for Football Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting accessibility, safety, fair play, and growth in Canadian Sports. He is a member of the International Institute for Sports Business and Leadership at the University of Guelph and has developed MBA-level courses on entrepreneurism which have been taught at Universities in the US and Canada. He is also a member of the board of Directors for CAMH and Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto – two organizations that are near and dear to his heart. And lastly, he was recently listed on the BizBash 250 list for excellence in the Canadian event industry.Mark shares how George Floyd's death fuelled and triggered him to speak up.  He founded The Black Talent Initiative to connect talent opportunities with companies and professionals to inspire change. Here to empower black leaders of today and tomorrow. Mark shares insights into recent racism in Canada and how we all need to take action, including in a sports setting. You can learn more about the Black Talent Initiative on their website: blacktalentinitiative.networkConnect and learn more from Mark at:Website: www.markharrison3.comInstagram: @markharrison3 Twitter: @MarkHarrison3 LinkedIn: Mark HarrisonFollow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Andrea Carey on How to incorporate Inclusion in your organization.Andrea is the founder and Chief INclusion Officer with INclusion INcorporated that works to support clients to create cultures of belonging and inclusion for everyone to thrive and has worked extensively on inclusion and improved access for Indigenous peoples, Newcomers, persons with disabilities, and women and girls.Hear the discussion on where to start with learning about inclusion that includes:The importance of creating safe spacesBeing vulnerable in the process The commitment and accountability required from the whole organization Remember that this will take time and is not a quick fix. There is a team to walk with you through the process.Everyone has the right to participate and play so start by listening and sharing this podcast and let's work together to create cultures of belonging! Andrea (she/her/elle) is an MEd, CCIP Andrea Carey is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP), holds a Masters of Education in Leadership Studies, and is a champion of inclusion. She is Brene Brown “Dare to Lead” trained and is currently enrolled at Royal Roads University in a Graduate Certificate of Executive Coaching.  Andrea brings extensive experience in business operations, facility management, human resources, strategic planning, marketing, group facilitation, curriculum development, and product development. Her passionate, playful, and engaging approach to inclusion provides a platform for understanding the challenges to develop a strategy that aligns the organization’s needs with global trends and connects clients to tools to ensure successful implementation. Andrea volunteered for ten years with the Canadian Paralympic Committee as a Board Director and Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and currently sits on the Board of KidSport Victoria. You can learn more about how Andrea and her team can help create a space and place for diversity and inclusion in your organization:  www.inclusionincorporated.com. You can also find them on social media at:Facebook: @INclusionINcorpInstagram: @inclusionincorporatedTwitter: @INclusion_INcFollow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Matt Young on Culture: without it, you've got nothing.Matt explains the importance of People, Process, Profit, and Product as the foundation of any organization and how society has shifted to mostly focus on Profit and Product. Ignoring the People and Process along the way impacts culture creating poor experiences in the sport system, and leads to athletes dropping out.Hear insight into how critical culture is to an organization and how to engage and invite people into the experience. At the end of the day, the stronger the culture, the more people we're able to positively impact.  Matt has over 20 years of youth sports coaching experience and now consults sport local, national, and international sports organizations on the need to create value for all sports stakeholders. His mission is to create positive, quality sport experiences for as many as possible, as long as possible, in the best environments possible.If you are interested in learning more about the following or know someone who would be, listen and share this podcast:How to audit the culture in your organizationAlign on the vision, mission, values, and purpose of your organization Operationalize these throughout your organization  Reach out to us at www.justgoplay.ca or www.qualitysporthub.com to go beyond just the technical and tactical resources available and dive into leadership, culture, financial stability, and more for your sports organization. Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Eva Havaris about: How to build culture in a sports organization.Growing up, Eva was a multi-sport athlete whose passion for soccer led her to play division 1 in Detroit and Tennessee and then into coaching. While she originally wanted to work for the FBI, she found herself drawn to staying in the sports world working with sports institutions and organizations on their businesses. After completing her Masters, Eva took on her first management role with Rugby Canada as the Associate Director of High-Performance Women’s Rugby and National Rugby Development Officer. She has previously been the CEO of two different national sports operations, running Taekwondo Canada from 2010-2014 and Equestrian Canada from 2014-2018.  Most recently, she has joined the York Region club as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations/Chief of Staff.Tune in to hear Eva's answer on, 'Why is it critical to building culture? as she shares insight into being an outsider in an organization, why you can't run an organization with a rotten foundation, and how to shift the culture to make the experience better for everyone.Be inspired by Eva's mission is to find Greatness in herself and greatness in others as she shares honest insight into the business of sport. You can learn more about Eva and the work she is doing to support Mindset Coaching on her website: www.evahavaris.com and can follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Brian Sanders, President & CEO of i9 Sports Corporation about: How do you build culture for kids in sport?Brian shares how i9 was developed in 2003 as a way to change the way youth sports are played. Seeing how competitive and political youth sports were becoming, they wanted to create a model that was kid-focused where they can learn how to play various sports, figure out what they are good at, and learn good sportsmanship in the process. What started in Tampa, FL has now expanded through a franchise system in over 975 communities.Hear the discussion on how they have established a strong, intentional culture throughout the organization and within each franchise driven by contracts made with all key stakeholders including coaches and parents. Their unique approach to implementing and holding people accountable to the contract drives a positive sports experience for all those involved. Brian discusses how you are going to have a culture whether you like it or not - so build an intentional culture and be clear on what you won’t accept.You can learn more about i9 on their website: www.i9sports.com  and can follow them on social media @i9sports on TW and FB and @i9_sports on IN.Contact them to learn more about their franchise opportunities and help bring quality sport experiences to your community!Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this unique Just Go Play podcast episode, Taryn Lipschitz and Daryl Devonish bring back Matt Young, Michael O'Donnell, Eva Havaris, and Stan Peake to discuss How to Scale Strategy in a Sports Setting. Hear the collective experience and insight across all levels of sport - from club to COC - and the challenges and opportunities endured including:What are the critical elements to gain buy-in from all stakeholders, employees, and volunteers within an organization How to identify the gaps and opportunities in an organization What the process for change will and can look like  Matt Young brings over two decades as a franchisor in the allied health care sector coaching adults, athletes, graduates & children. Matt has been tasked to architect the Activation & Accountability Framework for the largest amateur sports federation in the world. He is the lead architect on the Physical Literacy for Communities framework that’s been rolled out across Canada. Matt is a Vancouver Top 40U40 and Canadian Top 40U40 business excellence award winner. Passionate about giving back, Matt has raised over $6M (and counting) for community charity.Michael O'Donnell was a golf professional turned Canadian Master coach. He realized his passion was helping other coaches and was hired by American Golf Corporation to manage the largest golf instruction program where coaching was at the core of the consumer experience. Mike then joined Nike Golf managing the sports marketing department. Over 7 years ago, he was recruited to the PGA of America to focus on strategic development of programs and initiatives to strengthen participation and growth in the game. Eva Havaris has over 15 years of executive leadership in the Canadian sports industry at the national level with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. She is a lifelong champion of sport having participated in the sport system as an athlete, coach, administrator, and volunteer with experience at the Club, PSO, NSO, Pro sports, USports/CCAA, COC/CPC across five sports (Taekwondo, Equestrian, Ringette, Soccer, Rugby). Eva is the creator of Leadership Mindset by Design, which provides consultation to leaders committed to reconnecting with their greatness and applying a healthy-minded leadership approach to transform the workplace and the teams they lead.Stan Peake has over 23 years of entrepreneurship and leadership experience as an executive coach and facilitator. Stan is also certified in cultural transformation tools, has a graduate education in values-based leadership from Royal Roads University, and executive education in sales leadership from Queens University. Stan is also a 6-time author, including 4 bestsellers on sales, entrepreneurship, and success. Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish, Taryn Lipschitz, and Matt Young speak about: Youth Sport in 2020: The Hard Truth.Hear the discussion on the good, the bad, and the ugly from 2020 and what are the challenges and, more importantly, the opportunities for youth sports in 2021.Covid has taught us that we can no longer do things the way they've always been done and provided businesses the opportunity to work ON the business while they are not IN the business. Matt outlines the importance of developing an operating system with the key success factor being the leadership that will have the vision and courage to take this responsibility on. The discussion includes the biggest barriers in sport which include:Money Ego A generation of adults who equate their kids level of play with their social status in the community The Truth: most people can’t handle the truthFollowed by the biggest opportunities in sport and from covid - including that all problems are solvable. Daryl, Taryn, and Matt discuss the importance of having the right people, systems, and support in place so that everyone is able to operate at their best and work together to create quality sport experiences. Hear the resources and insight on who is doing it well, what can be excepted for 2021, and what each of us need to reflect on from 2020. Connect with the team for more insights and to continue to the discussion on what went well during 2020 and what we can work together on in 2021:Daryl: Instagram: @daryldevonishTwitter: @CoachDmanLinkedIn: Daryl DevonishWebsite: www.daryldevonish.comMatt:Twitter: @mattyoung101LinkedIn: Matt YoungWebsite: www.qualitysporthub.comTaryn:  Instagram: @tarynlipschitzTwitter: @tarynlipschitzLinkedIn: Taryn LipschitzWebsite: www.tarynlipschitz.comFollow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Heath Eslinger on: A Better Way: The New Playbook for Parents to help your kids figure it out.Even though his parents were not very involved in sports themselves, it was critical for Heath and his brother to be involved in sports. Heath enjoyed a great high school and collegiate wrestling career including State Championships and Conference titles.  Heath attributes his parents for laying a healthy foundation that was intentional and focused on what matters that has provided him the tools to be successful both in sports and in life. A pivotal moment in Heath's life was hearing that the longer a kid is in organized sport, the less likely they are to make a good moral decision. It was in that moment that he realized he could either be part of the problem by doing nothing or part of the solution by doing something. Through conversations with Eric Phillips, his now business partner, they realized a huge part of the solution would be: Parents. They questions they asked themselves, academics, athletes, coaches were:What is the one thing you dread the most in sports?What would it look like to engage parents and have a healthy conversation to help them navigate the sports journey?If sports is an arena for growth, what are you growing? How do we make the child be successful in life?  Through asking these questions, they realized one of the biggest truths: As parents, you love your kids and want the best for them. Sometimes, there is a misapplication of love where you love them so much you do things that seem helpful but aren't. Through this, they developed A Better Way: The Parent Playbook for a Positive Sport Experience. Focused on engaging parents to maximize your child's athletic journey. This includes letting them struggle and learn how to deal with adversity at every age and stage of life.Heath outlines the three critical elements the sports system will need to evolve to create a positive sport experience:Change the scorecardIntentionally engage parentsIntentionally equip and support coaches A Better Way is here to restore the joy of sports for every child. And they can't do it alone.  Let's work together to drive positive experiences.You can follow A Better Way on Instagram @ABetterWayAthletics, on Twitter at @ABW_Athletics and check out their website for information on the Parent Playbook and how they work with organizations to improve the process.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Owen McBride on: Private Coaching Co: It's not just a program. It's a movement. Owen is a 19-year-old North Vancouver native who took his experience through the elite sport system to launch Private Coaching Co (PCC) to make a difference in the approach to keeping kids active, training coaches led by industry experts, and provide employment opportunity for high school and university students. PCC provides individualized and small group training designed to challenge and develop athletes and coaches.PCC brings in coaches from all areas of sports and life and provides training and mentorship building a new generation of coaches who focus on providing fun and positive environments for athletes.Growing up in North Vancouver, Owen was dedicated to sports from an early age. After being involved in basketball, soccer and baseball, his strength in soccer emerged and he began to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. After representing team BC as the captain, Owen was selected to join the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency program where he had the opportunity to train and play with the top players from across Canada. During the process, he was exposed to the reality of the sport landscape where players were dropping out of sport or not reaching their true potential. Why? Because the love of the game and joy of the process were replaced by the pressure to win at all costs. Players were having negative experiences in games, practices, and at home. With his own passion for the game being burnt out, he turned to coaching. Through running his own training sessions, he saw just how much of an impact a coach can have on a young kid. PCC isn't about developing superstars or focusing on a single sport pathway - it's about developing confident, competent athletes and humans. Through these training sessions, kids blossom and fall in love with sport. And now, PCC is here to help millions of kids unlock their true potential through sport.Be inspired by how PCC is addressing issues that were prevalent before Covid and ones that have transpired including:Providing physical education opportunities outside of school, youth sports, and parks and rec that focus on teaching and developing fundamental movement skillsAssessing each athlete to see where they are and help them see how they personally develop through sessions Provide career development and employment opportunities for those passionate about coaching and physical activityBe inspired by the passion Owen has for creating a movement that helps athletes and coaches fall in love with sport and help them unlock their full potential.You can follow Owen and Private Coaching Co on Instagram @privatecoachingco and check out their website for information on how to sign up for sessions and how to become a coach.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish speaks with Derrell Levy on: In-Tech High Performance Training: Where Family Comes First.Derrell was considered 'late to the game' when he started playing hockey around 10 years old and was fortunate to have support and mentors in his life that paved the way for a positive experience in sport. This included being part of the first group at Skillz Hockey focused on exposing young players from diverse backgrounds to the highest level of professional instruction.Derrell's natural talent and work ethic helped him pave a career with hockey that included winning a National Hockey Championship in 2007 with Oswego State University, and playing several years of Minor Pro Hockey.  While at Oswego, Derrell was working with his physiotherapist Jason Pratt who saw his ambition and drove him to creating a business plan for, what would be years later, In-Tech High Performance Training. Having achieved an academic background consisting of a Wellness Management Degree, a minor in Health Science and Coaching, as well as NSCA, CSCS, and PT Certifications, Derrell travelled extensively to mentor under top coaches and to continue his education. Derrell has over twelve years of on-ice coaching experience, as well as nearly a decade of creating strength and conditioning programs for nationally ranked basketball and hockey teams, and high profile athletes including those of the NHL, OHL, AHL, and CFL.Derrell ’s compassion and ability to mentor in both the gym and life has allowed In-Tech to grow into much more than simply a training facility. He has created a culture that gives elite athletes, youth, and adult fitness enthusiasts alike, the support, resources, and inspiration to reach their true potential.Hear the lessons learned and inspiration Derrell has behind building In-Tech to what it is today and where it will be in the future including:Teach kids the positive and negative they will experience in life and give them a safe and controlled environment where they can be challenged.Don't put expectations on kids - let them have fun and then, if they decide to pursue more competitively, feed the wolf.Baseline test so athletes know where they stand - strengths and weaknesses - and what they need to focus on to get better.As Derrell says everyday; 'I can. I will. I must.' #JustGoPlayYou can follow Derrell and In-Tech on Instagram @dlevs12 and @intechhpt and check out their website for information on programs they offer, including online to stay connectingFollow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish speaks with Dan Noble on: Grit Athletics: Bringing Community Sports Back.Dan is the Co-Owner, Director Sport & Performance, GRIT Athletics Toronto, Director of Performance at the Hill Academy, Director of Performance for the Halifax Thunderbirds (NLL), and a speaker, performance consultant, and contributing author.Coach Noble has been working with high-level athletes for the past 15 years. He is a performance coordinator, Athletic Development coach and specializes in skill acquisition, constraints-based learning, movement, and childhood and youth athletic development. He also works in coaching education and is a speaker and author. Recently he has contributed to best-selling books: Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In and Weight Room Wisdom. He is also a regularly featured sports performance hockey expert and has been in Sports Illustrated, The Hockey News, Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet and other top media outlets. He also regularly trains Olympians, athletes from the NHL, CFL and NCAA.Dan shares his story how a head injury at the age of 5 confronted him with learning challenges and pushed him to sports where, he not only excelled but, found a family. Dan was introduced to Strength & Conditioning Coaching when he was at the University of Guelph playing football. After playing in Europe, he realized his passion was to teach others and became a teacher. He was offered an opportunity to be part of Hill Academy and spent 14 years helping them grow as a teacher and coach. The path to being a great Strength & Conditioning Coach included 2 years of mentorship and training from others that he looked up too.Dan coaches with a focus on:Involving athletes and parents in the conversations to build intention from the beginningThe philosophy that no one workout will make you but one workout can break youLetting every kid know that they have a voice and have greatness in themDan and Daryl discuss how sports saved both of their lives and how it has the impact to save many more, especially during such isolating times. Be inspired by how Dan and his team work everyday to build a supportive community where everyone has value.You can follow Dan on Instagram @Coachnoble45 for inspiration and updates.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish speaks with Kim Davis, Senior Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth & Legislative Affairs at the National Hockey League, the premier professional ice hockey league in the world on: Hockey is indeed for everyone - NHL's vision for youth hockey.In this capacity, Kim leads a role reporting to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to attract, develop and retain fans – with a specific focus on multi-cultural audiences – through culture, youth participation, and social impact initiatives. “Kim’s professional experience uniquely qualifies her to ensure that our League is growing the game of hockey by demonstrating the leadership principles and values in communities and with all stakeholders that can ultimately lead to new and increased fandom,” said Commissioner Bettman.Ms. Davis has been recognized by Hockey News’ “2020 Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in the sport,” Essence Magazine’s “Woke” - 2019 Change Agents, Adweek’s “30 Most Powerful Women in Sports,” Sports Business Journal’s “GameChangers,” and Savoy Magazine’s “Most Influential Women in Corporate America.” She has received other notable recognitions including Savoy Magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America” and showcased in Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business.” In 2012, she was profiled with First Lady Michelle Obama in Essence magazine’s “28 Most Influential Black Women in America.”Hear Kim's journey to the NHL through, what may seem, as an unconventional pathway to become a change agent in making hockey appealing to a more diverse audience to both players and fans. Kim discussed how events this year connected to Black Lives Matter became an acceleration point for the NHL to build deeper awareness and education in the hockey community to deal with human rights issues top down and bottom up.  The players and leadership team have been key in making a stance on being allies and ensuring no one is denied opportunity or treated lesser than because of the colour of their skin.To increase diversity and inclusion in hockey, the NHL dug into where they needed to focus and increase cultural availability within communities.  While many may think the decline in participation is due to access to the game or the equipment required, the driving issue is that people don't feel a cultural connection to hockey.To ensure more voices are part of the decision making and change required, the NHL has set up  committees to have a full 360 understanding of what the ecosystem wants from sport in the future including committees for:PlayersYouth SportFansBe inspired by the change Kim is supporting the NHL in creating for minorities and females to build a stronger ecosystem for years to come.If you are a parent or coach who wants to learn more about courses or resources to help you build a quality environment for your child and athletes, reach out to us at www.justgoplay.ca.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish speaks with Bob Grant, coach from North Toronto Hockey Association, on: Success is Judged by the Smile on the Kids Face After a Game.Bob grew up playing church hockey in Toronto and continue to enjoy the game of hockey in the original North York Hockey League, including the Marlies first team - the Butterbee's. A shoulder injury caused him to switch from a more competitive league into a recreational league and, years later, he began coaching his sons' teams. Bob shares the difference his experience was playing hockey compared to what it is today with a big focus on the involvement that parents now have in driving their kids to play.Bob shares insight that he's gained from seeing how other coaches work with their athletes, parents, and coaches to build a quality sport experience including:Coaches: Roll the lines. All kids should have the opportunity to play, to learn, and to enjoy the game. Parents: Let them play at the level where they can touch the puck. Don't push them to play at a level just because you want them to be at that level. They should be confident playing and enjoy the game not frightened to go on the ice.Athletes: Remember that people make mistakes. If nobody makes a mistake then the game would be tied at 0-0. Use each 'mistake' as a learning opportunity and decide what you would want to do differently next time..Everyone: Have fun! Playing sports is about enjoying the experience and developing lifelong skills. It's about getting more out of the game than just winning.Daryl and Bob discuss how coaches and parents can work together to make the experience better for the kids because, at the end of the day, we want them to walk out with a smile on their face.Be inspired by the lessons Bob shares with coaches and parents to ensure the kids enjoy the game and will participate for life. If you are a parent or coach who wants to learn more about courses or resources to help you build a quality environment for your child and athletes, reach out to us at www.justgoplay.ca.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Matt Young speak with Erica Suter on: The Journey to Becoming Fit Soccer QueenAfter playing a variety of sports throughout her childhood, Erica decided at the age of 12 to pursue soccer at a more competitive level leading her to play for Johns Hopkins University. Hear the long-term process that led her journey to becoming a Coach focused on helping youth soccer players become strong, resilient, and creative through exercise, while inspiring them to love movement and sports – to not see these as obligations, but rather, enjoyable escapes from the stressors of life.Her philosophy is athletic development takes time, patience, and work ethic, but the process is meaningful and fulfilling. It’s an oscillating, imperfect journey with ups and downs, twists and turns, and defeats and victories. With the best part being the lessons learned through training to help empower kids physically and mentally, while setting them up for lifetime resiliency.Erica provides insight on:How to train kids to be well-rounded athletes and humans through incorporating education on nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, and developing their total athleticism Why coaches need to lead by example What parents role is in their kids athletic journeyHow technology needs to be monitored What the nuisances are around training boys vs. girls (if there are any....)The advise she gives parents when they want to put their daughter on the path to a D1 scholarshipErica shares her story on how her passion helped her overcome personal challenges and provide her the strength to navigate the direction she wanted her life to take.Erica is coming out soon with video courses on how to train young female athletes in a way that incorporates injury reduction and improving performance so sign up for her mailing list at ericasuter.com to be the first to know when it launches!Be inspired by the conversation with Erica on how to help kids find their passion and empower them physically and mentally, while setting them up for lifetime resiliency.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.

In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish and Matt Young speak with Eric McLoughlin from the Coaches Association of Ontario on how: Great Coaches can change your life.Eric began his coaching career at the age of 16 after an injury made him realize he wouldn't be able to reach the level of swimming he desired and found his passion for giving back to the sport that had already given him so much. Eric pursued his BA in Psychology and a background in Sport Psychology from Laurentian University that, along with resources he found available, helped him develop as a coach working with athletes from ages four to eighteen at the regional, provincial and national levels. Eric joined the CAO with a wealth of knowledge and experience in coaching, community engagement and events within the sport, non-profit and corporate sectors. He also holds a post-graduate Event Management certificate from the International Festival and Events Society’s (IFEA) Gold Pinnacle award-winning program at Niagara College and works hard to develop events, programs and projects that create lasting positive impressions. In his spare time, he loves to swim, play baseball and connect with people who share a passion for what they love. Eric believes in staying positive, eating smart and dreaming big.With the CAO, Eric supports over 150,000 coaches they support to help build a better system for coaching especially as 75% of coaches in the province are volunteers (that aren’t being paid and do so because they have a kid in it). Hear from Eric on how:You don’t need anything fancy to be a coach. To identify who the clients really are in the system and why it's important to hear what they are asking for.The barriers for entry can be mitigated so that more athletes, parents, and coaches have access to resources, programs, and support.Resources in the industry, such as Wade Gilbert, provide a base foundation of knowledge. Hear their discussion on what we can learn from the Google and Amazon's of the world and why tough decisions need to be made to not forget who we're in this for. At the end of the day, kids just want to have fun.You can learn more about the Coaches Association of Ontario and how they:Provide National Coaches Certification Programs that delivers coach education across a variety of topics. Support each coach through partnerships, mentorship programs, grants, and ongoing professional development of coaches. Coaching is something that requires ongoing maintenance and education and there are many free conferences and webinars offered to improve access to education.Be inspired by the conversation with Eric on how a great coach can change your life, whether you are an athlete, parent, or other involvement in the sport system. Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.  Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.