Sports
VJ Stanley was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school and won the school’s first ever Leadership Award. As an athlete, VJ won the high school hockey league scoring title as a junior and was a First All-Star Selection. In his senior year, he received Second All-Star Honors and also played junior hockey for the Rochester Monarchs. He went on to play hockey at Clarkson University, where he sustained two concussions in one week, which ended his career after only one game. VJ founded Balanced Excellence as an answer to his family's and friends’ constant questions about the stress associated with their children's participation in youth sports. 3:20 Introduction 4:30 VJ’s sporting background as a player of all sports and coach. He talks about the journey of founding Balanced Excellence. 7:30 The story behind “Frozen Shorts”. 10:40 VJ’s first book “Stop the Tsunami in youth sport” 15:00 VJ’s 3 key points in the youth sport world. 18:55 I can do it myself! Children want to own their own journey. 23:50 Comparison with growing up in the 70’s. Kids are the same, but the environment is different. 24:57 Coaching challenge-for both coaches during a game to remain silent for one complete half. 26:55 Ideas how to create the youth sport for the enjoyment of children. 32:00 How did you teach your child riding a bike? 36:24 We adults need to eliminate outside noise, so players can focus on making several decisions every second. Avoid bottle necking to choke players with information. 39:32 Free play, Yes please! says the captain of the US Olympic ice hockey team and USA Hockey Hall of Famer, Ryan Janta. “I’m there and my guys are there and when it is getting dark, we pull up our trucks and put the lights on and keep playing.” It is important part of ice hockey 42:30 Multi-sport plays an important role in sport. 45:10 What is a perfect environment for youth sport? VJ “Messy & Madness!” For links and connecting with VJ Stanley go to www.yellowforyelling.com/podcast