Parent Resources — Valiant Sports Society
Parent Resources
Trusted Guidance to Help Families Navigate Youth Sports
Valiant Sports Society curates and shares credible youth-sports resources from journalists, researchers, advocates, and organizations we trust. Some resources are free, others are paid. We include both — so parents can decide what's right for their family.
Valiant Sports Society Curated YouTube Playlist for Parents
A curated collection of the best third-party videos covering youth sports essentials — from mental health and athlete development to coaching culture and financial planning. We update this playlist regularly to give parents a fast, reliable place to learn and find trustworthy guidance. Click on the Playlist Icon in the upper right of the video player for more videos.
Youth Sports Parent Resource Links — Be Valiant Episode Highlights
Be Valiant Episode 5
Steve Borelli
Steve Borelli brings years of reporting experience and real-world parenting wisdom to the youth-sports conversation. His USA Today columns are must-reads for any parent looking for clarity, perspective, and encouragement. Explore a selection of his top USA Today articles here at USA Today. Steve is also the author of Coach Steve's Youth Sports Survival Guide - How Parents and Kids Can Get the Most of the Experience.
BUY HEREBe Valiant Episode 8
Linda Flanagan
Author and youth-sports advocate Linda Flanagan offers one of the most important perspectives in today's conversation about kids' athletics. Her book, Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports — and Why It Matters, is a must-have for every sports parent — whether on your shelf or on your phone.
BUY HEREBe Valiant Episode 10
Kirsten Jones — Raising Empowered Athletes
Kirsten Jones combines her experience as an athlete, parent, and certified performance coach to help families create healthier, more balanced sports journeys. Her book, Raising Empowered Athletes, is packed with practical tools and perspectives every sports parent can use.
LEARN MOREBe Valiant Episode 20
Skye Eddy and SoccerParenting.com
Created by former sports parent and now respected educator Skye Eddy, SoccerParenting.com offers essential guidance, insights, and tools every soccer parent should have.
LEARN MOREBe Valiant Episode 23
Christian Lavers and the ECNL Vision
In our conversation with Christian Lavers, one message stood out — the health of the athlete comes first. The ECNL is investing in research focused on mental health, physical performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being to better support young athletes and their families. These insights are valuable for every sports parent.
LEARN MOREYouth Sports Parent Resource Links — Organizations
Project Play by The Aspen Institute
Project Play, an initiative of the Aspen Institute, is one of the nation's leading voices for improving youth sports. Their research, frameworks, and parent resources help families understand what truly supports healthy development and long-term participation.
LEARN MORE →Well-Played Initiative — Momentous Institute
Valiant Sports Society is a proud collaborator of the Well-Played Initiative, a first-of-its-kind mental health initiative powered by Momentous Institute. Well-Played builds a connected, research-backed ecosystem of resources for athletes, parents, and coaches — covering every stage of the athlete journey from early childhood through post-career. It puts mental health at the center of performance, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
LEARN MORE →Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA)
Positive Coaching Alliance is one of the most trusted organizations in youth sports, dedicated to creating better experiences and stronger cultures for athletes, parents, and coaches. Their tools and training help families understand what healthy leadership, communication, and competition look like.
LEARN MORE →Athletes for Hope — Center for Athlete Wellbeing
Athletes for Hope connects athletes, coaches, parents, and teams with trusted mental health resources, expert guidance, workshops, and stories. Their Center for Athlete Wellbeing is a comprehensive hub covering stress, injury recovery, burnout, identity beyond sport, and crisis support — built for every level of athlete and the families who support them.
EXPLORE THE CENTER →U.S. Center for SafeSport
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit committed to building a sport community free of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and misconduct. Their resources — including the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) and the Emotional and Physical Abuse Toolkit — give parents, coaches, and athletes practical tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse in sport.
LEARN MORE →TrueSport
Powered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), TrueSport is a values-driven education program helping coaches, parents, and athletes build character, integrity, and life skills through sport. Their free toolkits, interactive lessons, and expert articles cover sportsmanship, mental wellness, nutrition, goal setting, and more — practical resources for every level of youth sport.
LEARN MORE →The Jed Foundation (JED)
The Jed Foundation is a leading nonprofit protecting the emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. Their resources for parents, coaches, and schools help adults recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations, and build environments where young people feel safe, supported, and connected.
LEARN MORE →STOP Sports Injuries — Sports Medicine Update
The STOP Sports Injuries campaign, backed by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, provides evidence-based guidance on preventing overuse and traumatic injuries in young athletes. This Sports Medicine Update article is a valuable resource for coaches and parents looking to use injury prevention as a community tool.
READ THE ARTICLE →US Youth Soccer University — Resources for Parents
US Youth Soccer University offers free online education for parents navigating the youth soccer landscape. Their parent-focused courses and resources cover everything from understanding player development to supporting your child's mental and emotional well-being on and off the field.
LEARN MORE →USA Volleyball — Resources for Parents
USA Volleyball's parent resource hub offers guidance on athlete development, safe sport, and how to best support young volleyball players. Whether your child is just starting out or competing at a high level, these resources help parents stay informed and engaged in healthy, positive ways.
EXPLORE RESOURCES →Little League University — Parents
Little League University provides free education and resources specifically designed for baseball and softball parents. From understanding the game to supporting your child's development and well-being, their parent section is a practical starting point for families at every level of the sport.
LEARN MORE →BE VALIANT. PLAY FEARLESS.
