Working with Parents in Sport, Part 2 | Gordon MacLelland

Gordon MacLelland is the CEO and founder of Working with Parents in Sport (WWPIS) which he set up after 20 years as a teacher and coach to all age levels from 7 year olds to adults. He has a BA/Hons degree in Sports Science from University College Chester and a PGCE from Lancaster University. He is a qualified teacher and has been Director of Sport at an independent prep school in the UK for the last 10 years, and has worked in schools in both the UK and New Zealand for the last 16 years. Gordon is the author of two books, "Great Sports Parenting" and "Engage - How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Players' Parents". He is now a father and the early sporting experiences of his two children prompted him to set up the company as well as write the books above. When he speaks he brings a wealth of experience to working with parents, gathered through 20 years as a teacher and coach as well as a parent currently involved in children’s sport.

Table of Contents

0:00 - Intro

2:10 - How Gordon’s organization has evolved since last year

5:03 - Shifting from dealing to engaging with parents, followed by tips

8:12 - Discussion about a viral baseball team video in Chicago

11:00 - Restricting competitive play to older groups

17:41 - Moresports experience and free play

20:00 - The importance of the behaviour of coaches

25:38 - Organizations supporting parents

29:29 - Defining fun in sports

32:50 - WWPIS’ objectives over the next 3-5 years

35:40 - Teaching both sports and life skills

36:25 - The importance of coaches continuing to learn after becoming certified

40:00 - Gordon’s take on the LTD model

42:00 - Early blooming kids and their “elite” label

43:39 - Reversing early sports specialization in the UK

48:25 - Kids loving only one game

50:47 - Books and other resource recommendations

52:17 - What coaches can do to shave 5 years off their learning curve

53:22 - Importance of coach mentorship and reflection

55:34 - Contacting Gordon and WWPIS