Fun Always Wins with Jean Cote

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Show

"If you're not having fun, it's not worth doing."

This quote has always been my motto, but until now, I didn't have any research to back it up. After talking to today's guest, Jean Cote, it turns out I was right! Fun is the magic pill that keeps us going in athletics (and life) & forges the path to a life-long love of the sports we do.

The Club was lucky to have Jean join us in person recently to share his findings on how to keep kids engaged in the sports they love. Before we listen to Jean, be sure to take advantage of this deal from our show sponsor!

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Topics we discuss today include:

• Deliberate fun vs deliberate practice
• The 10,000 Hour Myth
• Fun & Friends are the key
• Parent role modeling: Are you modeling the behavior you want your kids to see?
• The parents tend to take the fun out of sports (what not to do!)
• Transformational coaching: Jean talks about "The How of Coaching" & the 11 behaviors that great coaches exhibit including two we discuss - vulnerability and humility
• Resource: "Range" by David Epstein about the importance of diversification

For more on Jean Cote:

Jean Côté is one of the world’s foremost experts on positive youth development through sport and is an internationally recognized researcher and sought-after speaker on the subject. Dr. Côté conducted a transformational coaching workshop for SSWSC coaches virtually in 2022 and visited Steamboat for a few days this January to work with our coaches again, observe our model, and present to SSWSC parents.

Dr. Côté has focused on the factors that contribute to personal growth through sport, lifelong participation, and performance development and his presentation to SSWSC parents addressed the Personal Assets Framework, and the central role of family and parents in supporting the best possible outcomes for young athletes.

As always, please share your questions, comments, feedback and requests. Go to sswsc.org! Now get out there and support, lead or be a champion on and off the mountain!