Navigating the Sports Business for Your Rising Athlete

Give your young athlete the competitive edge—on and off the field. The Parent’s Playbook is a powerhouse workshop designed for parents of kids in football, basketball, soccer, and track who want to confidently navigate the fast-moving world of youth sports.

From understanding recruitment timelines to managing showcases, camps, clubs, and coaches, this class breaks down the sports business in a clear, actionable way. Parents will learn how to advocate for their child, identify real opportunities vs. hype, build an athletic profile, communicate with programs, and make informed decisions that support both performance and wellbeing.

Whether your child is just starting out or already standing out, Parent’s Playbook equips you with the knowledge, tools, and insider strategies to help them shine—while keeping the journey healthy, balanced, and fun.

Step into the sports world with confidence. Your athlete’s future starts with you—and this is your playbook.

Instructor: Etta Etta-Tawo | Click to read biography

Upcoming Session: January 10 - March 14

Day & Time: Saturday, 11:00AM - 11:50AM

In-Person Cost: $300 (10 seats — includes free childcare!)

Online Option: $200

Week 1 — Understanding the Youth Sports Landscape

• Overview of major youth sports systems (school, club, AAU, travel, rec, elite)

• Differences across football, basketball, soccer, and track

• Identifying your child's current stage and long-term potential

• Common myths, red flags, and industry realities

Week 2 — Building Your Athlete’s Support System

• Role of parents vs. coaches vs. trainers

• Choosing the right programs, teams, and coaching styles

• Strengthening communication with coaches

• How to advocate without becoming “that parent”

Week 3 — Athlete Development Basics

• Understanding age-appropriate skill development

• Multi-sport vs. single-sport specialization

• Performance essentials: strength, agility, conditioning

• Mental training, mindset, confidence, and resilience building

Week 4 — Camps, Clinics, and Showcases: What’s Worth It?

• Which events matter for each sport—and which are money traps

• How to evaluate exposure opportunities

• Timing: When to start attending and when to skip

• How to maximize benefits before, during, and after events

Week 5 — The Business Side of Youth Sports

• How money flows through youth sports

• Understanding club fees, training costs, gear, travel, and hidden expenses

• Scams, red flags, and predatory organizations

• Making smart financial decisions for long-term success

Week 6 — Branding Your Athlete (Without Overdoing It)

• Creating an athletic résumé / profile

• Social media best practices for young athletes

• Video highlights: capturing, editing, and organizing film

• Building visibility while protecting your child’s privacy and wellbeing

Week 7 — Recruitment 101 (Middle School & Early High School)

• Early recruitment realities across sports

• Key milestones parents should know

• Eligibility basics, grade requirements, and transcript planning

• Communicating with programs: what’s allowed and what’s effective

Week 8 — Recruitment 201 (Late High School & College Pathways)

• NCAA rules, timelines, and must-knows

• D1 vs. D2 vs. D3 vs. NAIA vs. JUCO—what fits your child?

• Official vs. unofficial visits

• Navigating offers, interest levels, and next steps

Week 9 — Injury Prevention, Health, and Long-Term Wellness

• Managing workload across practices, games, and school

• Identifying early signs of burnout or overtraining

• Recovery routines (sleep, nutrition, hydration, stretching)

• Building a safe, supportive, sustainable sports journey

Week 10 — Creating Your Athlete’s Long-Term Game Plan

• Setting short- and long-term goals with your athlete

• Mapping out the next 12–24 months

• Balancing sports, academics, and personal life

• Parent Q&A, personalized plan reviews, and closing ceremony