Let's Talk Youth Sports: A Speaker Series for Sports Parents

Every sports parent has questions. Almost nobody gets real answers.

Should your kid specialize or keep playing three sports? What are high school coaches actually looking for? How do you keep your athlete in love with the game when the pressure starts building? Why does every other parent in the group chat seem to have a plan you never got?

These are the conversations happening at your kitchen table. This series brings them into a room with someone who has spent a career on both sides of them.

Meet your guide

Mike Allen was not supposed to be a basketball player.

A three-sport high school athlete recruited to the University of Washington for football and baseball, Mike turned that down to follow a coach who believed in him. He went on to become a three-time All-American and three-time National Champion in basketball, the sport nobody had recruited him for.

Today he is a Director of Athletics, coach, and youth sports leader with a Master's degree in Sports Management and Leadership, a Sports Illustrated featured coach, a High School Hall of Fame inductee, and a three-time Coach of the Year. He brings decades of experience developing student-athletes and building athletic programs to San Diego parents working to understand, support, and navigate their child's youth sports journey.

One coach changed what was possible for him. That is what he is here to talk about.

Invest in the Athlete. Elevate the Family.

What your ticket includes

• A 30-minute presentation built for your athlete's specific stage
• Live Q&A facilitated by attorney Rory Pendergast, where no question is off limits
• Light refreshments from North Park small businesses
• A complimentary Game Day SWAG Bag, 1 per paid ticket.
• A room full of San Diego sports parents who are figuring out the same things you are

The three sessions

Session 1: Middle School to High School
Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 AM, in person at A7D Creative Group

The jump to high school sports is one of the biggest seasons in a student-athlete's life, and most families walk into it blind. This session covers what coaches are evaluating before your athlete ever steps on the field, how to prepare academically and athletically at the same time, the common mistakes that cost kids a roster spot, and practical ways to build confidence before day one. Whether your athlete is chasing varsity or just wants to enjoy the experience, you will leave with a roadmap.

Session 2: Keeping Your Athlete Engaged
Saturday, September 12 at 12:00 PM, in person at A7D Creative Group

Today's young athletes face more distraction, pressure, and burnout than any generation before them. This session gives parents practical strategies to keep their athlete motivated and confident: how to build a healthy sports environment at home, how to balance competition with enjoyment, how to develop resilience through a bad season, and how to help your athlete build habits that hold up long after the last game.

Session 3: Preparing for the High School Journey
Tuesday, September 15th at 6:30PM, live on ZoomFree with registration

Session 1 gets your athlete through the door. This one covers the four years that follow. Coach Allen walks families through training expectations, how to communicate with coaches without becoming that parent, academic eligibility, recruiting timelines and when they actually start, character development, and how to build a personal plan for your athlete. Interactive format with time for questions throughout. This session is our open invitation to San Diego sports families. Register free and we will send the link when the date is confirmed.

Best for parents and athletes in grades 8 and 9, or anyone getting ready for the high school athletic experience.

Details

$20 for two attendees - for one in-person session, or $35 for both sessions.
Sessions 1 and 2 are held at A7D Creative Group in North Park. Session 3 is free with registration, held live on Zoom, and the link goes out to registered families ahead of time.

Presented by Rory Law Firm.
Hosted at A7D Creative Group
Space is limited, register today!