John Engh

Alternative Programming

This year marked the 20th anniversary of NAYS’ annual Youth Sports Congress.

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Columns 3 min read

Valuing Volunteers

With the exception of 2020, which wiped out youth sports, one of my favorite moments each year is reviewing the final applications from the NAYS volunteer coach- and parent-of-the-year nominations.

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A Worthy Investment

I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and came across a great post that reminds us why the job of a youth-sports administrator is so incredibly important.

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One of the great lessons I learned from my dad, who founded the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) in 1981, is that, if someone asks what you do on a elevator, you should be able to explain it before getting off on the next floor.

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Creating Positive Experiences

“Yes, I was upset over a bad call, but I would never fistfight anyone in front of kids! I will stand up for my team 10/10 times, and you tell me one coach who wouldn’t.”

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Columns 4 min read

Scary Scenarios

When you think about youth sports, the first vision might be of kids with big smiles running up and down a field chasing a soccer ball.

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Heat-Related Illness Protection

Only a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to direct a video shoot with Martin McNair at the Xfinity Center on the University of Maryland campus in College Park.

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NAYS Celebrates 40 Years

2021 marks 40 years since the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) was founded as the National Youth Sports Coaches Association.

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Tap Into Olympic Mindset

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, I really appreciated the Olympics—particularly the Summer Olympics. There were so many life-changing events connected to the Games, which brought the best athletes in the world together every four years.

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Columns 4 min read

Bring On 2021

I don’t think it’s just me. I think we are all looking forward to putting 2020 in the rearview mirror.

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Columns 3 min read

Youth-Sports Administration

Having written this many times before, I will say it again: youth-sports administrators are some of the most dedicated public employees in our communities.

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Columns 4 min read

A New Path Forward

“When should we start youth sports again?” “What are other communities doing?” “Is it safe?”

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Columns 4 min read

Alternative Programming

Valuing Volunteers

A Worthy Investment

Explanations On An Elevator

Creating Positive Experiences

Scary Scenarios

Heat-Related Illness Protection

NAYS Celebrates 40 Years

Tap Into Olympic Mindset

Bring On 2021

Youth-Sports Administration

A New Path Forward