Episode
The Youth Sports Problem No One Talks About
- Podcast
- Welcome to the Party
- Published
- Apr 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2531
- Processing state
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Summary
“Burnout isn’t laziness. Burnout isn’t failure.” In this episode, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach take on one of the biggest issues in youth sports right now: why kids are walking away, and what we’re getting wrong. With nearly 70% of kids quitting organized sports by age 13, Julie and Abby break down the real drivers behind burnout, from nonstop schedules and early specialization to pressure from parents, coaches, and the system itself. Drawing from their own experiences as elite athletes and parents, they get honest about: What burnout actually feels like (and why it’s often misunderstood) The pressure kids carry today vs. when they were growing up Why taking a break might be the best thing for long-term success How parents can support without adding more pressure The moments that matter more than any game (yes, go to the prom) Plus, they answer a listener question about expensive club sports—how to tell if a program is truly helping your child grow or just cashing in. The takeaway: Your kid’s relationship with sport matters more than their résumé. Because joy isn’t a bonus, it’s the fuel. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC