The SPORTi Podcast

The SPORTi Podcast
Podcast Description
Our podcast is dedicated to guiding families through the complexities of youth sports in the Greater Toronto Area. From understanding levels of play to accessing resources and overcoming challenges, we share personal experiences and practical insights to help parents feel informed and empowered. Join us as we simplify the journey and create a supportive community for families stepping into the world of youth sports.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as youth athlete training, injury prevention, co-parenting in sports, and navigating sports systems in Canada. Episodes include discussions on the science of speed training with Dr. Richard Bucciarelli, the balancing act of parenting young athletes with professional triathlete Angela, and a deep dive into the structure of the Klevr Super League in youth hockey. It also covers critical topics like sportsmanship, academic balance, and the unique cultural experiences of parenting athletes.

Our podcast is dedicated to guiding families through the complexities of youth sports in the Greater Toronto Area. From understanding levels of play to accessing resources and overcoming challenges, we share personal experiences and practical insights to help parents feel informed and empowered. Join us as we simplify the journey and create a supportive community for families stepping into the world of youth sports.
In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Laura sits down with Juan Patarroyo, co-founder and coach at AthElite Lab in Milton, Ontario. Juan shares how his personal soccer journey—shaped by university-level play and a major ACL injury—ultimately led him to discover a passion for coaching and youth development.
AthElite Lab was born out of a desire to offer elite-level, small group training focused not only on technical development but also on building character, consistency, and long-term athletic habits.
Juan explains the importance of honesty in coaching, creating individualized training environments, and moving away from the high-pressure, win-at-all-costs mindset that often dominates youth sports.
AthElite Lab offers age-specific programs that prioritize foundational skills for young athletes and more position-specific, game-intelligent training as they grow older. The conversation also touches on how sport builds life-ready qualities such as discipline, adaptability, and confidence—regardless of whether an athlete goes pro.
Throughout the episode, Juan and Laura explore the evolving role of parents, the impact of supportive coaching, and how programs like AthElite Lab are redefining what success looks like in youth sports.
Whether your child wants to be a pro athlete, a coach, or simply gain confidence through sport, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice and real-life insight.

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