The Youth Sports Problem No One Talks About

“Burnout isn’t laziness. Burnout isn’t failure.”

In this episode, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach take on one of the biggest issues in youth sports right now: why kids are walking away, and what we’re getting wrong.

With nearly 70% of kids quitting organized sports by age 13, Julie and Abby break down the real drivers behind burnout, from nonstop schedules and early specialization to pressure from parents, coaches, and the system itself.

Drawing from their own experiences as elite athletes and parents, they get honest about:
What burnout actually feels like (and why it’s often misunderstood)
The pressure kids carry today vs. when they were growing up
Why taking a break might be the best thing for long-term success
How parents can support without adding more pressure
The moments that matter more than any game (yes, go to the prom)

Plus, they answer a listener question about expensive club sports—how to tell if a program is truly helping your child grow or just cashing in.

The takeaway:Your kid’s relationship with sport matters more than their résumé.

Because joy isn’t a bonus, it’s the fuel.

00:00:00 Burnout Isn’t Laziness
00:01:00 Not Burning Out...Even Now
00:06:37 Why This Conversation Matters
00:08:07 70% of Kids Quit Sports
00:10:52 Our Burnout Experiences
00:13:35 Why Breaks Actually Help
00:16:08 What Parents Should Do
00:18:34 Stop Punishing Kids
00:24:00 Let Kids Advocate for Themselves
00:32:56 Your Kid vs Their Resume

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