Episode 181

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Published on:

12th Sep 2025

#181 - The 7 Biggest Mistakes in Youth Sports (And How to Avoid Them)

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Episode Summary:


Youth sport can shape confident, capable humans yet too many programs unintentionally get in the way. In this episode, Ian Hawkins breaks down the seven most common mistakes he sees across clubs and academies: over-focusing on systems and game plans at the expense of core skills; obsessing over scores and results instead of controllables; creating inadvertent pressure on athletes, coaches, and parents; falling into the blame game; running empathy-light systems with people in the wrong roles; prioritising the physical while neglecting mental and emotional development; and failing to bring parents along for the journey.


Drawing on real examples from football (soccer), local club work, and a Sydney school program, Ian shows how a holistic, values-led approach flips each mistake into an opportunity. Listeners will learn practical ways to build skill foundations, emphasise process over outcome, develop resilience and emotional literacy, and align parents, coaches, and players ultimately producing better athletes, stronger teams, and healthier communities.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


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About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

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Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.