In this encore episode of For the Love of Sport, Marie and Simon are joined by Darrell 'D.K.' Taylor, the self-proclaimed 'Youth Sports Guy' and 'Engineer of Engaging Experiences.' As the director of BNA Sports, D.K. is dedicated to developing youth athletes and providing them with pro-like experiences. With a background in player development for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, D.K. brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation.

In this episode, D.K. shares his insights into promoting inclusion in football, creating opportunities for young girls, and the significance of building a legacy and strong personal brand. Don't miss this re-aired episode packed with valuable lessons on empowering the next generation through youth sports.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Khalid Cannon, President and Chief Program Officer of Put Me In!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to sports for children of incarcerated parents. Khalid shares his personal journey, from playing professional rugby for the Austin Gilgronis to leading a national nonprofit. He discusses the transformative power of sports and how his organization fosters hope, structure, and a sense of belonging for children facing significant life challenges. Tune in to learn more about Khalid's innovative approaches to expanding sports access and empowering the next generation of athletes.

1. The Power of Sports for At-Risk Youth: Khalid emphasizes how sports can offer structure, build self-esteem, and create a sense of community for children of incarcerated parents, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
2. Strategic Growth with Heart: Khalid explains how Put Me In! has grown nationally while maintaining its deep connection to its core community, utilizing his professional background in strategy and consulting to scale impact.
3. Lessons from Rugby: Drawing from his own experience as a professional rugby player, Khalid talks about the life lessons he gained from sports and how they shape his leadership at Put Me In! today.
4. Addressing Unique Needs: Khalid shares innovative solutions his organization has developed to address the specific emotional and logistical barriers children of incarcerated parents face when trying to participate in sports.

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Today’s episode features Kyle Weindel, Associate Club Director at Sunshine Volleyball Club, a volleyball powerhouse in Southern California. Founded in 1998, Sunshine Volleyball Club has cultivated a culture of excellence, earning over 150 bids to Junior Nationals and producing numerous collegiate athletes. Kyle shares his journey in the volleyball world, his coaching philosophy, and how Sunshine Volleyball balances elite athleticism with holistic development. Dive into the strategic growth of Sunshine Volleyball and learn how Kyle and his team foster academic and athletic excellence, maintaining their reputation as one of the top volleyball clubs in the nation.

1. The Power of Connection – Kyle emphasizes the importance of relationships built over the years, whether through coaching or mentorship, in shaping successful careers.
2. Cultivating Excellence – Sunshine Volleyball Club stands out due to its commitment to academic and athletic excellence, consistently sending athletes to top academic institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and UCLA.
3. Adapting for Growth – Sunshine has grown exponentially, expanding into multiple locations and embracing a holistic approach to athlete development by incorporating strength training and mental conditioning.
4. Building a Brand—The club’s yearly logo and uniform redesigns keep it relevant, while its online retail presence expands its footprint beyond volleyball.
5. Community Focus—Sunshine Volleyball is as focused on developing its elite teams as it is on nurturing young athletes, ensuring opportunities for all levels of players.

Get inspired by Sunshine:

• 2025 Team Gear Store
• Nike + Sunshine Collab

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Join us in an inspiring conversation with Brenda Hilton, the founder of Officially Human, an organization dedicated to restoring respect and dignity to game officials at all levels of sport. Brenda, who has over 22 years of experience in collegiate officiating, shares her insights on the vital role that referees and umpires play in sports events and the growing need to address the mistreatment of these professionals.

This episode explores how the decline in respect for officials impacts youth sports and the broader sports community. Brenda reflects on her career journey, her lessons, and how Officially Human strives to influence change. We also discuss the key programs and initiatives that help schools, volunteers, and families better support officials and ensure a positive sporting environment for everyone.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, administrator, or athlete, this conversation is packed with practical tips on how we can all help make sports better for officials—and, by extension, everyone involved in youth sports.

The Crucial Role of Officials: Brenda emphasizes that referees are integral to the integrity of sports. Without them, competition would lack structure, and the games wouldn’t function smoothly.

Respect Starts with Education: Officially Human's mission is to educate parents, athletes, and fans about the importance of respecting officials, reminding everyone that they are human beings with lives, families, and emotions.

Solutions for Youth Sports Organizations: Practical advice on incorporating Officially Human’s PSA resources into youth sports programs to foster respect and empathy for game officials.

Recruitment and Retention of Officials: Strategies to combat the growing shortage of referees by improving working conditions, providing recognition, and creating a positive environment.

The Long-term Vision: Brenda discusses how her organization plans for the future, aiming to partner with more youth sports organizations and institutions to improve the treatment of officials at every level of the game.

Hear more from Officially Human on their podcast, Behind the Stripes!

Subscribe here >

Watch the latest episodes here >

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In this lively episode of "For The Love of Sport," hosts Simon MacKenzie and Marie Fitzgerald chat with Dr. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Dr. Floyd shares how NASP has transformed archery into an inclusive and accessible sport for millions of students across the U.S.

Since 2002, NASP has introduced archery to over 21 million students, with 1.3 million participating last year alone. Dr. Floyd discusses how the program is making a big impact by building self-esteem, promoting teamwork, and even offering scholarships. With 1,346 new schools joining just this year, NASP is on a mission to ensure every student has a shot at success—literally!

Dr. Floyd also highlights the program’s "Academic Archer" initiative, which recognizes over 34,000 students for their achievements and the $4 million in scholarships NASP has provided. The episode is filled with inspiring stories, proving that archery isn’t just a sport—it’s a life-changing experience.

Tune in to hear how NASP is hitting the bullseye on inclusivity, personal growth, and academic success, all while making archery fun and accessible for all.

To join NASP, schools can follow these steps:

1. Contact NASP: Reach out to NASP via their website or regional coordinator.
2. Get Trained: Attend a one-day Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) training session for teachers.
3. Apply for Grants: Use NASP grants to help cover the costs of equipment and training.
4. Obtain Equipment: Purchase NASP-approved bows, arrows, and safety gear.
5. Start the Program: Integrate archery into your school's PE curriculum.
6. Engage the Community: Involve local organizations and volunteers for support.
7. Join Tournaments: Participate in NASP tournaments at various levels.

Learn more at https://www.naspschools.org/

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Just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, we are revisiting one of our favorite interviews. Simon and Marie are going for gold in this episode of "For The Love of Sport." They sit down with Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production. With a career of over three decades, Molly has played a crucial role in bringing iconic sports moments to our screens.

Hear Molly's journey from a researcher for NBC's Olympics coverage to becoming the first female executive producer for a national sports network. Beyond her professional achievements, Molly also opens up about her experience as a mother of triplets, discussing their youth sports adventures and the challenges of balancing priorities as a new parent.

Tune in for an insightful and entertaining episode, and mark your calendar for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games starting on July 26th!

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In this episode of "For The Love of Sport," hosts Simon and Marie are joined by Doug Bracken, Vice President of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). Doug shares his journey with the ECNL, detailing his involvement and experiences that have shaped his role in one of the most influential organizations in American youth soccer. They discuss the ECNL's initial focus on girls' youth soccer and its expansion to include boys, emphasizing the importance of providing pathways to collegiate and professional careers for young athletes.

Doug highlights the recent launch of the ECNL app, which includes a learning module for coaches, and its potential impact on the sport. The conversation also touches on the ECNL's dedication to fostering a positive environment for youth athletes both on and off the field. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the workings of the ECNL and its future goals in shaping the youth soccer landscape in the United States.

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Simon and Marie are live from the AVCA with another episode of "For The Love of Sport!" In this episode, they are joined by Demarcus Lewis from the Lexington High Risers, who shares his journey as a sports conditioning coach from basketball and football to volleyball. Demarcus delves into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of strong nutrition in athletic performance. He discusses some of the training techniques he uses to condition athletes across various sports and his role in youth sport administration.

The group also talks about the impact of enabling coaches within Demarcus's club and how this contributes to overall team success. He reveals some of the secrets to his success as a trainer, coach, and youth sports administrator, providing valuable insights for aspiring coaches and sports professionals. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with expert advice and practical tips from a seasoned sports conditioning coach.

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