Hosts: Ben Russell, Kirk Bowyer

Guest: Sean Patrick, Educator & Author of The Emotional Shoes

In this inspiring episode of So You Want Your Kids to Be Great at Sport, Ben Russell and Kirk Bowyer are joined by Sean Patrick—educator, coach, and author of The Emotional Shoes. Drawing on his experiences in both coaching and physical education, Sean offers a thoughtful take on how to build emotional strength, movement skills, and a lasting love of sport in young people.

The conversation explores the crucial early role parents play in shaping a child’s sporting journey, and how expectations—when not aligned with a child’s needs—can quickly turn passion into pressure. Sean shares his philosophy on the importance of teaching movement before sport-specific skills, the role of PE in building positive associations with activity, and how competition should be a tool for growth, not just a measure of success.

Together, the trio unpacks Sean’s “Three E’s of Coaching”—expectations, energy, and effort—and why these simple principles can change the way kids experience sport. They also dive into his book The Emotional Shoes, which aims to help young athletes navigate the emotional ups and downs that come with competitive environments.

Key Takeaways:

• A parent’s influence can shape a child’s love for sport
• Movement is the foundation of all athletic development
• PE should emphasize fun, inclusion, and engagement
• The “Three E’s” of coaching help build healthy environments
• Unrealistic expectations can push kids away from sport
• Emotional skills are as important as physical ones in youth sport
• Early coaching should prioritize movement literacy
• Teaching kids to compete for personal growth builds resilience
• Parental support should uplift, not pressure
• Sport should be a space for joy, learning, and lifelong habits

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🎧 Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito

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