Growing Through Sport

A fresh perspective for parents, coaches and educators

What do we want children to take away from sport—beyond the result?

Confidence. Resilience. A sense of belonging. The freedom to make mistakes and the motivation to keep learning.

Sport can help young people develop all of these qualities. The way adults communicate, respond to setbacks and define success plays a crucial part in that experience.

In Growing Through Sport, Michele Baggio and Rocío Gabriela Lamberti Quirós bring together insights from developmental psychology, sport psychology and educational practice to help parents, coaches and educators support young athletes with greater understanding and consistency.

Through accessible explanations, everyday examples and practical exercises, this ebook invites you to look beyond performance and recognise the person who is growing through it.

What you’ll explore

• Motivation: understand what encourages participation and how to support effort without creating unnecessary pressure.
• Attention and concentration: adapt expectations, instructions and routines to children’s developmental needs.
• Emotions and resilience: respond constructively to mistakes, frustration and defeat.
• Communication: give clearer feedback and make post-match conversations more supportive.
• Relationships: strengthen trust and bring greater consistency to the messages children receive from home and their coach.
• Adolescence: support growing independence while remaining a steady, available presence.

Practical tools you can use

Alongside seven chapters, you’ll find dedicated guidance for families and coaches, reflection questions, communication examples, checklists and workbook activities. Separate exercise appendices help parents and coaches examine their habits and turn reflection into concrete changes at home and during training.

For parents, coaches, sports educators and anyone involved in children’s and young people’s sporting lives.

You don’t need a background in psychology—just a willingness to reflect on the influence you have.

Help make sport a place where young people feel supported, enjoy learning and grow as people.

Authors: Michele Baggio and Rocío Gabriela Lamberti Quirós

Digital product. No physical item will be shipped.