2025 is here! Celebrate by listening to one of our favorite episodes featuring our partners at Diamond Allegiance this past year.

Dive in with hosts Simon and Marie as they chat with Sandy Ogg and Erik Bakich from Diamond Allegiance, an organization dedicated to enhancing the travel baseball experience for families, teams, and coaches. Erik shares insights from his experience as Clemson's head baseball coach, while Sandy delves into the origins and future goals of Diamond Allegiance. The conversation also explores their journeys in youth sports, their approach to engaging clubs with extensive family memberships, and their upcoming business summit designed to enact impactful changes. Sandy And Erik also introduce The Curve Platform, a pioneering approach using technology to deliver personalized and impactful player development.

Learn more about the Curve App from Diamond Allegiance

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Welcome back, dear listener. Just in time for the holidays, revisit this classic episode featuring some of our favorite guests—the Savannah Bananas.

So, let's get Bananas! The latest episode of For The Love of Sport features special guests Kyle Luigs and Tyler Gillum from the Savannah Bananas. Luigs, the starting pitcher for the team, and Gillum, Head Coach and a two-time winner of the CPL Coach of the Year award, discuss their own journeys in youth sports and how they have brought their passion to the Savannah Bananas organization.

The Savannah Bananas are known for their unconventional approach to baseball, prioritizing fun and excitement for both players and fans. Luigs and Gillum provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of youth sports and how the Savannah Bananas are shaking up the traditional approach to baseball. They discuss the importance of building relationships with fans and prioritizing their needs, and how this approach has led to the success of the Savannah Bananas organization. Check out this study that proves The Bananas perform better when they are having fun.

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In this final episode of the season, For The Love of Sport Podcast hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Gordon MacLelland, founder of UK-based Working With Parents in Sport (WWPIS). Gordon shares invaluable insights on fostering better relationships between parents, coaches, and young athletes.

As a thought leader and advocate for parent involvement in sports, Gordon emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect. We explore practical strategies for reducing conflicts, managing expectations, and ensuring that parents play a supportive, positive role in their child’s sports journey.

Whether you’re a coach looking to collaborate more effectively with parents or parental figures navigating the complexities of youth sports, this episode is packed with actionable advice to create a better experience for everyone involved.

1. The Power of Positive Parental Support: Gordon explains how parents can build confidence and resilience in their children through encouragement and understanding.
2. Building Trust Between Coaches and Parents: Open, honest communication is the foundation of successful coach-parent partnerships.
3. Managing Expectations: Aligning goals between parents, coaches, and athletes can reduce tension and enhance the youth sports experience.

Resources:

• WWPIS Website
• WWPIS Podcast

So thank you, dear listener, for pressing play.

How did we do? We want to hear your thoughts about this episode and how we can improve. We may shout you out! - Share your thoughts

Send over any stories, debates, or questions you have from the pitch, court, ice, field, studio, wherever, to our team here - ftlospod@nbcuni.com

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