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In this episode gymnastics parent Ian Whitehouse joins Gordon Maclelland to discuss his sports parenting journey which has already taken in the Olympics and watching his son win a silver medal at the World Championships. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Enjoyment, persistence and gradual progress as the route to the Great Britain squad at 17Setbacks as opportunities to build resilience, and the Olympics as a family highlightCoping with injuries, competition pressure and the disruption of COVIDSupporting a young athlete without letting the sport define who they areStepping back and adapting the parent’s role as the athlete becomes more independentEarly, honest communication with schools and universities and why trust mattersBalancing study and sport by adjusting timelines while keeping education a priorityLearning from coaches, elite athletes and other parents, and the reassurance that every sporting family faces similar challengesIan is now 4 years retired having worked for Lloyds Banking Group as Head of Programmes. His wife Diane who we must not forget in this works in a junior & Infant school. Ian is a keen runner who also recently competed in Triathlon as a GBR Age Grouper at the European Championships in Madrid in 2023 and this last year qualified for the World Championships at the Olympic distance and at the Europeans over the sprint distance. He is also the father of British artistic gymnast Luke who represented Great Britain at the 2024 Summer Olympics and is a silver medallist on floor exercise at the 2025 World Championships. Luke is a four-time European Champion, winning three titles on floor exercise in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

In this episode educational consultant and the founder of the 'Sex, Lies and Life Project'  Libby Flenley joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss Sports Parenting in a Digital Age. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: The impact of digital footprints and how content shared young can resurface years later to affect a sporting careerThe growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated imagery being used to bully, blackmail or exploit young athletesThe pros and cons of running social media accounts for young athletesThe challenges of parental peer pressure around managed-by-parent accountsThe impact of technology and screen time on athletic performanceThe parental role in supporting a healthy identity beyond sportPractical advice for parents navigating this part of their child's lifeLibby has spent around 10 years working in child protection, sexual violence, and criminal exploitation — including international work with exploited young people in Paraguay. She founded the Sex Lies and Love (SLL) Project, which began delivering workshops in schools in line with statutory guidance. In the past 12 months it has rapidly expanded into sports environments including football academies, working with young players, parents, host families, and professionals. The project's focus has shifted increasingly towards online harms and digital safety, and it is also referred to as the "Safety, Lies and Love" Project when working with under-12s and parents.

In this episode rugby league legend and sports parent Martin Offiah joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss aspects of his career, how it has shaped him and his approach today and his role as a father supporting his two sons Tyler (Professional Player at Bath Rugby) and Phoenix (Academy Scholar Tottenham Hotspur) on their sporting journey. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: The power of storytelling and legacy in motivating young athletesWhy comparison should be "self to self for improvement, not self to others"Engineering resilience and adversity into a child's daily routineThe contrast between coaching a child in your own sport and parenting a child in a sport you don't knowUsing leverage, reward and consistency to build skills and motivationThe role of validation from other athletes and mentors in landing a message with teenagersDocumenting a child's sporting journey to build belief and connection over timeHonest reflections on the hardest, least "rosy" parts of being a sports parentMartin Offiah MBE is one of rugby league’s all-time greats. He began his rugby journey at Ipswich and Roslyn Park before becoming a legend with Widnes and Wigan, scoring over 500 tries and earning a statue outside Wembley for his iconic 1994 try. Inducted into the Hall of Fame, he also appeared on reality TV, including Strictly Come Dancing. From 2018 to 2025, he was a Brand Ambassador for Connected Kerb, helping them grow from startup to the UK’s second-largest public EV charging provider. He also co-created the Offiah Activ mattress with Romantica Beds and now supports businesses through BDC. Across sport and business, he continues to inspire. Martin's approach to sports parenting draws directly on his own journey from a state school in Hackney to the top of professional sport, and on what he has learned navigating two sons through two very different sporting pathways. His philosophy centres on consistency, resilience, self-belief and the importance of helping young people find their own drive built through story, connection and the lived, daily habits of a sporting household.

In this episode Olympian, Coach and Mentor Dwain Chambers joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss his journey from a muddy log to the world stage including motivation, doping and raising kids who don't need to be you. He also discusses his role now as a father, coach and mentor to young athletes striving in the world today. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: The absence of visible role modelsSpeed discovered by accident outrunning friends on bicycles with nothing but raw abilityPraise as a turning point, chasing outside validation because it wasn't available at homeMotivation v drive and why motivation fades in a day but drive has to come from somewhere deeperThe coach as surrogate parent providing mentorship and filling a gap that home life didn'tEncouraging vulnerability in young athletes without it being weaponisedComparison culture and "other people's lives look more fun than mine"Who to trust with the flood of new relationships that arrives the moment you succeedThe internal pressure that led to his choice to use performance enhancing drugs in 2002Four fingers and one thumb and the golden lesson of taking responsibility instead of blaming othersLetting kids make their own mistakes rather than shielding them from consequencesListening without judgement and why kids stop talking the moment they expect a lectureDwain Chambers is a British track sprinter and the sixth-fastest man of all time over 60 metres. He is also one of the few sprinters to have run a sub-10-second 100 metres. Today, he holds the title of the world’s fastest 47-year-old over 60 metres. Inspired by finishing last in a running race as a teenager, Dwain set himself a goal, committed to training, and went on to become the fastest British teenage sprinter.  Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Dwain has competed with notable success at the British, European, and World Championships, as well as the Olympic Games.  Now a coach, speaker and mentor, Dwain uses his experience to inspire athletes and individuals alike, promoting sport, fitness, and a mindset built on achievement and success. Through speaking and sport, he teaches essential life skills such as accountability, discipline, resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to set and achieve meaningful goals.

In this episode 'The Coaches' coach' and communication specialist Betsy Butterick joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss ‘Supporting Gen Z and Gen Alpha to thrive both in and out of their sport' and what that potentially means for coaches, teachers and parents.  During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: The Coaching Crisis of coaches leaving the profession and struggling to connect with Gen ZThe importance of understanding Gen Z rather than judging themConnection as the foundation to all great coachingThe shift from telling to askingMaking sense of expectations both spoken and unspokenAccountability vs. ResponsibilityGenerational Traits - are they myths or reality?Honesty with Empathy - being kind rather than just nice, allows for honest caring conversationsManaging Dreams, Expectations and RealitiesThe Coach–Parent–Athlete Triangle and communication skills applying across all three relationshipsConnection, co-creation and choicesBetsy Butterick, aka "The Coaches' Coach", is a seasoned pro who utilises the transformative power of communication to help build high-performing teams. As a former coach, Betsy understands that "chemistry" is more than a buzzword - it is the result of genuine connection, and at its core lies effective communication.   In her role as "The Coaches' Coach," Betsy meets individuals where they are to support their growth and evolution. Through cultivating awareness and the application of tools and frameworks to support greater autonomy, Betsy works with people to become self-generating and self-correcting. As a Communication Specialist, she works collaboratively to enhance communication effectiveness and drive positive change at every level.   While there is rarely one "best way" to communicate, Betsy helps coaches and athletes shorten the distance between intention and impact, one conversation at a time. Audiences value time with Betsy for her relatable approach and actionable insights that provide both immediate and future value. As a facilitator and educator,   Betsy has the exceptional ability to connect with a diverse audience and offers a professional, playful, and people-centric approach to learning and development. She's routinely asked to speak at sports conferences and in departments to help people build the communication skills to optimise the people-part of any pursuit. Betsy has worked with teams and organisations at the collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels by creating custom programming to support high-performance both on and off the field.   Much of her recent work has focused on helping leaders bridge the generational gap to work proactively with Gen Z and beyond by replacing judgment with understanding and providing tools to support long-term success. A lifelong athlete, Betsy grew up playing all sports and was a competitive basketball player (and fairly awful golfer) at the collegiate level. She now spends her time with her wife and two daughters, building pillow forts, biking, practicing yoga, chasing sunsets, and in constant pursuit of the perfect breakfast burrito. Additional Reading Sport v Computer Game When all I get is a grunt......

In this episode Leadership and Performance coach Rick Cooper joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss ‘The Real Manosphere'  and how we can support teenage boys to fulfil their potential both in and out of their sport. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Moving past 'Manosphere' headlinesThe important distinction between 'fitting in' and 'belonging'Filling the connection void - being seen, valued and heardThe importance of strong and effective role modellingAgreements over expectationsStrategies for sporting parents to try and implement immediately to support their teenage sonsEverybody's role in providing emotionally intelligent leadership that teenage boys need to navigate the modern worldRick Cooper is a leadership and performance specialist. With a background spanning elite sport, to serving as an officer in the London Fire Service, his focus is on youth development, and high-pressure leadership environments. He works with student athletes, schools and teams across the UK and internationally to help them unlock potential, strengthen identity, and perform with authenticity and purpose. Additional Reading You are a parent - not a caddie! Are you living vicariously through your sporting children?

In this episode Breathwork Specialist and Performance Coach Jack McMillan joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss breathing for junior athletes and how we can best support as sporting parents. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Breathing = Performance and WellbeingWhy breathing matters for young athletesThe use of breathing in managing pressure and anxietyBridging mental health and performanceControl v Chaos in modern sportTop tips for parents and young athletesThe transfer of breathing skills to improve performance beyond sportJack McMillan is the Founder of Optima Performance, the UK's leading provider of breathing training for elite sport. Jack has worked with over 3,000 athletes across professional sport including Great Britain, WSL academies, the Premier league, and EFL. He specialises in teaching breathing science and stress resilience to junior athletes, coaches, and parents, helping young performers manage pressure, optimise recovery, and build lifelong self-regulation skills.  Links to FREE EBOOKS:   Breathing for Junior Athletes:  https://www.optima-performance.co.uk/Breathwork-E-Book-Sign-Up   Sleep for Athletes:  https://www.optima-performance.co.uk/sleep-e-book-sign-up-

In this episode Sports nutritionists Kate Shilland and Fran Taylor and the founders of 'Performance Canteen' join Gordon MacLelland to discuss supporting young athletes through proper nutrition. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Challenges like misinformation and the need for clear communicationProgress and not perfection in building small, sustainable changes that fit around real family lifeThe dangers of fad diets such as bulking and cutting, advocating for simple, consistent nutrition practicesNutrition being vital for growth, health, and performanceThe importance of teaching children cooking skills to empower them and improve their dietary habitsThe emotional side of feeding young athletes and the pressure and challenges parents face'How to Feed a Young Athlete' - why Kate and Fran wrote their new bookIf you would like to buy a copy of their new book in collaboration with us here at Working with Parents in Sport then click here. 'How to Feed a Young Athlete' isn’t just another nutrition book it’s the resource we wish our parents had had. It is built from thousands of conversations with parents of young athletes. We’ve listened to all their questions, challenges, frustrations and wins and created a toolkit. You’ll find practical answers and actionable solutions to the nutrition challenges every parent faces, complete with interviews with parents of elite level young athletes and exercises to try. Talent and training absolutely matter, but what children eat directly impacts their energy, recovery, mood, development and performance, whether they’re on the field, in the classroom, or at home. Nutrition really is sport’s unsung hero, and this toolkit is part of our mission to change that. Featuring unique insights and nutritional tips from parents of high performing athletes. Kate Shilland is a leading Sports Nutritionist with over 16 years’ experience, working with youth athletes of all levels from recreational to world champions. She has been head of nutrition at Crystal Palace Football Club for the past nine seasons. Fran Taylor is a highly regarded Public Health Nutritionist with over 17 years’ experience working in nutrition communication with parents, schools and sports clubs. Additional Reading Kitchen Essentials to support our youth athletes with their nutrition How to fuel around game days, tournaments and busy schedules

In this episode best selling author and coach Brad Stulberg joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss his new book 'The Way of Excellence' which explores what sustainable excellence really looks like and what it potentially means for us all in supporting young athletes. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Building excellence through rhythm and balanceThe dangers of outcome obsessionSupporting our young people to build and maintain a 'stable sense of self'Helping our young people build confidence through effective preparationThe importance of discomfort for growth but not chaosHelping young people interpret failure as information, not a final verdictCreating support systems and environments full of clarity and consistency that help develop resilience and self-awarenessBrad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on performance, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and Master of Change, and is the co-author of Peak Performance with former guest Steve Magness.   Brad regularly contributes to the New York Times and his work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic, among many other outlets. He serves as the co-host of the podcast “excellence, actually” and is on the faculty at the University of Michigan.  Additional Reading How do you manage your child if they are physically small and potentially a late developer? Are you patient with the process?

In this episode sporting parents Danny and Kate Cowley join Gordon MacLelland to discuss the value of working together as a parent team to support a young high performing athlete. Together, Danny and Kate offer a dual perspective as coaches, educators, parents, and lifelong learners. Their daughter, a youth international footballer, and their son an ex gymnast have given them valuable insight into the experiences of young people navigating elite sport. They bring a wealth of lived experience to the show with Danny a highly respected professional football manager and Kate a former international athlete, both with backgrounds in education. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: The importance of context with no one-size-fits-all approach to sports parentingHaving distinct parent roles matter based on relationships with the child and individual strengths and weaknessesThe importance of proactive and clear communication between clubs, coaches, teachers, parents and childrenUnderstanding the nuances of feedbackRecognising mistakes, setbacks, and disappointment are normal and vital for developmentHelping to build confidence by reinforcing hard work and repetition and highlighting evidence of progressThe continuous balancing act of tough love vs unhealthy pressureFocussing more on role modelling over lecturingBoth Danny and Kate share a passion for sport, education, and supporting young people to reach their potential both on and off the field. Having been together since childhood, their shared love of sport has shaped both their personal and professional journeys. They began their careers working together at The FitzWimarc School, one of the UK’s top-performing secondary schools, where they combined their experience in teaching, coaching, and athlete development to help students grow and succeed. Danny has since built a respected career in professional football management, recognised for his people-focused approach and commitment to developing players and teams. His time at clubs including Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town, and Portsmouth has been defined by an emphasis on teamwork, learning, and creating positive environments. Kate’s career has also been in high-performance sport and education. A former senior international athlete supported by the National Lottery’s Podium Potential programme, she has worked across elite sport and athlete development.

In this episode Founding Director 'Red Star Education' Kristen Cunliffe joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss Financial Fitness and how we can help our young athletes thrive with their finances. The recent BBC documentary 'Footballs Financial Shame'  has brought the importance of this topic back into the limelight.  During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Many athletes facing financial struggles due to poor advice, exploitation, and lack of early financial awareness.Documentaries 'Football’s Financial Shame' and earlier 'Football's Suicide Secret' raised concerns about the long-term effects of poor financial decisions and predatory advisersThe importance of education being independent, without commercial agendas or selling products, to maintain trust and integrityChallenges for young athletes with the pressure from expectations of peers, families, and sporting organisations, the fear of making financial mistakes and a lack of basic knowledge about taxes, budgeting and savingThe importance of parents having open, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about money, learning together with their kids rather than pretending to know it all and modelling balanced spending and saving habitsWhen speaking with advisors parents trusting their instincts whilst checking qualifications, experience, and fees and avoiding any snap decisionsAllowing our young athletes to enjoy some of their earnings, but encourage habits of setting money aside for the futureKristen Cunliffe is the Founder Director of Red Star Education, a company dedicated to giving young athletes the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial choices. With over 22 years’ experience as a multi-award-winning financial planner, independent financial educator and certified financial coach, Kristen combines expertise with a genuine passion for education. She is a strong advocate for keeping commercial partnerships out of player care, ensuring Red Star’s sessions are always focused on support, not sales.

In this episode British Gymnastics National Head Coach and sports parent Barry Collie joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss 'Developing confidence, self-esteem and self-worth in young athletes' along with how we can create the best environments possible for young people to thrive both in and out of their sport. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Applying lessons from his own sporting journey to his own parentingEncouraging young people to find joy and bring energy to their passions and pursuitsNurturing passion, purpose and persistenceEncouraging children to laugh, learn, and try again after mistakesParents adapting their approach to suit each child’s personalityThe importance of positive reinforcement particularly in sports with high demands and a focus on mistakesWhy optimism and hope is so important for all of usEncouraging conversations about life beyond sport for both coaches and parentsExpressing love and pride in our children as people, not just when they achieve successBarry Collie is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for British gymnastics, currently serving as the Head National Coach for Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. With over 20 years of elite coaching experience, Barry has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to athlete development, team success, and the long-term growth of the sport. Known for his optimistic and driven approach, Barry brings an innate ability to inspire those around him. His leadership style is collaborative and empowering—he listens, learns, and leads with purpose, fostering environments where gymnasts and coaches alike can thrive. Barry’s coaching philosophy centres on co-production, ensuring that individual Gymnast Performance Plans are developed in partnership with athletes and clubs to create a unified and high-performance culture. Barry’s track record includes leading the British junior men’s team to historic success at the European Championships, where his strategic planning and emotional resilience helped secure multiple medals and build future Olympians. His coaching is grounded in strong values, meticulous preparation, and a belief in the power of confidence, routine, and reflection. A devoted family man, Barry balances his professional intensity with personal warmth, bringing humanity and heart to every aspect of his role. His vision for British gymnastics is bold and inclusive—one that celebrates excellence, nurtures talent, and builds a legacy of pride and performance. Additional Reading Sport is a mental game Helping to foster resilience in our children

In this episode sports psychologist Elliott Newell joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss how as sporting parents we can help support the development of mental skills for our young athletes to thrive. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Personality flaws or just skill deficits?The importance of modelling emotional regulation during those tougher momentsImagery, breath work, mindfulness and journallingHelping our children meet the demands of their sportThe importance of vulnerability and honesty in building trust and openness in parent-child relationshipsUsing daily life and sport experiences as teachable moments for emotional and mental developmentOur goal in raising self-aware, emotionally skilled, and self-regulating individuals, not just successful athletesElliott is a sport psychologist and director of The Thrive Academy. He has worked in a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic sports as well as in Rugby and Football. Elliott specialises in environments and the way people interact. If you get the environment right, then you can have profound impact on the performance, development and well-being of people within it and this is the primary focus of Elliott's work. Additional Reading Helping our children manage stress through a pre-performance routine How to identify and prevent burnout in your child?

In this episode sports parent and life coach Stephanie Burge joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss 'Deselection, Release and Transition' and how we can help support young people through this incredibly challenging time. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: Intense parental emotions: shock, grief, helplessnessThe emotional fallout of deselection and the importance of parental supportThe importance of being present as a parent rather than trying to “fix” the situationHelping young athletes to develop interests and skills outside of sport throughout the journeySupporting dreams but also working through some 'What if?' scenarios alongside thisCreating emotionally safe environments and validating young people beyond their performanceRecognising that grief is not linear and that ending a sporting chapter can often lead to new freedom and opportunitiesStephanie Burge is a businesswoman, entrepreneur and ICF qualified Life coach with a powerful story of resilience, reinvention and mindset mastery. As the sole survivor of a serious car accident, she has turned trauma into a driving force for personal growth, purpose and helping others navigate life’s toughest transitions. A mother to two daughters, one a successful entrepreneur with ADHD, and the other an ex-GB and England hockey player now thriving in her career, Stephanie understands the highs and lows of the neurodiverse brain and the player journey after elite sport. She is passionate about ensuring athletes, parents and professionals develop the right mindset, and get the right support, to thrive beyond competition. Alongside supporting parents to show up in the best way to enhance their child’s sporting journey, Stephanie also coaches injured, de-selected and often psychologically broken athletes. Her objective is to facilitate them to process their loss, rediscover their identity and build fulfilling new careers. Often much time has elapsed before athletes finally realise they need to make peace with their past and reconnect with the joy of sport.

In this episode British Sailing Squad member Molly Sacker joins Gordon MacLelland to discuss her own sporting journey, the lessons she has learned, how we can best support young high performers and life gearing up for Los Angeles 2028. During the conversation they discuss amongst other things: The importance of consistent messaging to young athletes from parents and coachesSacrifices or individual choices?Motivation and commitment and the importance of disciplineThe dangers of early success if it leads to complacencyThe logistical and emotional strain on parents who support young high performersMollys mantra of 'It’s not that deep—it’s meant to be fun.'Female athletes perhaps needing specific support environments, especially in male-dominated sportsPromoting balance, independence and emotional well-being alongside performanceMolly Sacker is a member of the British Sailing Squad campaigning for the LA2028 Olympic Games and is a Masters Graduate in Conflict, Security and Development. Additional Reading What is burnout and why does it occur? Great Questions for your Sporting Child