Former Canadian national team soccer player Steve Kindel shares invaluable insights on youth sports development through the lens of a player, a parent, and a coach. As Senior Technical Director for North Vancouver FC, father to NHL player Ben Kindel and Canada U17 soccer player Lacey, plus husband to former national team player Sara, Steve offers a unique perspective on balancing competition with healthy development.

Among the issues Steve discusses in this episode:

✅ The benefits and drawbacks of early sport specialization

✅ How multi-sport participation develops better athletes

✅ Managing playing time conversations with parents

✅ When and how to implement age-appropriate tiering

✅ The decision to let Ben leave home at 16 for major junior hockey

✅ Why compete level matters more than outcome

✅ The i ...