In a compelling presentation, Dr. Sergio Lara-Bercial, Professor in Sport Coaching at Leeds Beckett University and co-founder of ICOACHKIDS, outlines a transformative vision for youth sport coaching. Speaking as part of the initial ICOACHKIDS project, Sergio emphasizes the urgent need to rethink how we approach coaching for young athletes, advocating for a child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and values-driven model.

At the heart of his message is a call to elevate youth sport coaching beyond traditional performance metrics. Lara-Bercial argues that coaching should not merely be about winning games or producing elite athletes. Instead, it should focus on nurturing the whole child—physically, mentally, and socially. He stresses that sport can be a powerful vehicle for personal development, teaching young people life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and respect.

The ICOACHKIDS project, initially funded by the European Union, was created to support this shift. It aims to provide coaches with the tools, knowledge, and frameworks necessary to deliver high-quality, child-focused coaching. Lara-Bercial explains that the project is built on three pillars: understanding children’s needs, supporting coaches’ development, and creating environments that prioritize enjoyment and learning over competition.

One of the key takeaways from Lara-Bercial’s talk is the importance of long-term athlete development (LTAD). He critiques the “win-at-all-costs” mentality that often dominates youth sport, warning that it can lead to burnout, dropout, and negative experiences. Instead, he advocates for a model that aligns with children’s natural growth and learning patterns, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

Lara-Bercial also highlights the role of coaches as educators and mentors. He encourages them to reflect on their own values and behaviors, and to create inclusive, supportive environments where every child feels valued. “We need to coach the person, not just the player,” he says, underscoring the broader social responsibility of youth coaches.

The video concludes with a call to action: for coaches, parents, and sport organizations to embrace a more holistic, ethical, and evidence-based approach to youth sport. Through initiatives like ICOACHKIDS, Lara-Bercial believes we can raise the standard of coaching and ensure that sport becomes a positive, enriching experience for all children.

You can watch the full presentation below