Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

Beyond Trophies: How Sports Shape Young Minds | | Mike Odes - Referee, Umpire, & Mentor | F4OT Pod

Are parents pushing their kids too hard on their pursuit of the next level? We discuss............
In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Mike Odes (his former 7th Grade Teacher) — whose experiences on the field/court and in the classroom, set the stage for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this passionate conversation, Mike opens up about all the outside interference a current day youth athlete hears and how he tries to change the narrative of current day competition. His resume below.......
Basketball Referee for 34 years - CYO, Department of Recreation, PIAA High School Girls Varsity Basketball
Baseball Umpire - 22 years CYO, Department of Recreation, Suburban Travel, Tournament Select Baseball
Volleyball Official - 3 years - CYO, PIAA High School Girls
Coached Boys Basketball and Girls Softball at Archbishop Ryan High School
Supervisor of Student Assistance Program at Archbishop Ryan (social intervention)
***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports

Hidden Pain Behind a Softball Career | FMR HS Softball Player Taylor Cutillo Opens Up | F4OT Pod

When you feel lost and defeated as a youth athlete, who do you turn to?..........
In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Taylor Cutillo (his daughter) —former softball player and current advocate for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this candid and heartfelt conversation, Taylor opens up about the struggles of growing up in competitive environments, learning to lead by example, and the mentors who made all the difference. 
Taylor shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of youth athletics, the importance of finding your voice, and how sports can shape more than just skill—it can shape character. She speaks directly to the heart of what so many young athletes are feeling today. This powerful conversation dives into resilience, representation, and what it truly means to fight for overtime, on and off the field. A must-listen for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike. 
***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports

Pay to Play: The Rising Price Tag on Youth Sports | F4OT Pod

Is the game still fair when only the wealthy can afford to play? Are we pricing kids out?........
In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, we dive deep into the growing financial burden of youth sports. From club team fees and travel expenses to specialized training and equipment, the cost of participation is skyrocketing—and it's pricing out countless families. We hear from parents, coaches, and former athletes about the sacrifices being made, the impact on accessibility, and what this means for the future of competitive sports. 
***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports

Top Mistakes Young Athletes Make in Recruiting | Mackenzie Bellows-Schissel of Scout U | F4OT Pod

Are you fully prepared for the college recruiting process? Could your past impact your chances?.......
In this episode, National College Scout, Mackenzie Bellows-Schissel, gives her experiences as a DIV 1 Player, DIV Coach, & Scout. 
Follow Mackenzie's Work: : https://linktr.ee/mac_schissel

Youth Athlete Dropouts: Uncovering the Reasons Kids Drop Out of Youth Sports

Where did the fun go when playing youth sports? Are kids over-lessoned causing their IQ to suffer? While sports may not be for every kid, being a part of a TEAM can be very beneficial for a young child if built the right way. 
In this episode, Coach Tony talks about the misconceptions when it comes to coaching a youth sports team and why 70% of all young players are quitting sports before the age of 13. It's all here plus more on this week's episode of Fighting for Overtime. 
***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/
About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we delve deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.