Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

2 Years ago, my son didn’t make his School soccer team — but what stung the most wasn’t the cut itself, it was the way it was handled. After days of hard work and hope, the message was cold, impersonal, and left him feeling like all that effort didn’t matter. As a parent, watching him process not just the rejection, but the lack of care in how it was delivered, was heartbreaking.
In this episode, I share that experience and why the process of cutting kids from teams matters just as much as the decision itself. We’ll talk about:
🔔 How poor communication makes rejection even harder
🔔 Why kids deserve respect and encouragement, even in disappointment
🔔 The emotional toll on both players and parents
🔔 How coaches and organizations can handle cuts better
To every parent who’s had to console a child not because they didn’t make the team, but because of how it was done — this one’s for you. Cuts will always hurt, but the way they’re handled can either crush a kid’s spirit or help them grow.
🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about youth sports, parenting, and resilience.
***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 all formats here: https://linktr.ee/fightingforovertime
About Fighting For Overtime
In this podcast, we dive 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.

A true apology story meets total pitching rule confusion! I break down what really happened, why the rule matters, and how it changes the game.
***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 here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime
About Fighting For Overtime
In this podcast, we dive 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.

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with veteran soccer player, coach, and author Heidi Smith to explore the 140-year journey of women’s soccer through the lens of her new book Play On! Heidi shares her experiences on and off the field, tackling tough conversations around sexism, identity, coaching challenges, and the mental health struggles facing today’s youth athletes.
From the emotional side of coaching girls, to the pressure kids face from parents and burnout in sports, Heidi offers insights that are both deeply personal and universally relevant. She also discusses how Play On confronts the culture of silence around abuse in women’s sports while highlighting stories of resilience, recovery, and community.
For more info on Heidi and her book visit: www.heidismithwriter.com
***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 here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime
About Fighting For Overtime
In this podcast, we dive 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.

When bringing awareness causes hateful pushback from the local community. Is this what the world of youth sports has become?
***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 dive 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.

From battling injuries to chasing a lifelong dream in baseball, DJ Dickson has lived the highs and lows of the game — and come out stronger every time.
In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with the Southampton native to talk about his journey from growing up with his dad as his coach, to competing at UVA Wise, and now mentoring young players through his own hitting clinic.
DJ’s story is one of resilience, recovery, and giving back, showing that every setback can become the foundation for something greater.
🎯 Topics Include:
Battling through injuries and staying mentally strong
Lessons learned from being coached by family
Competing at the college level
Building and running his own hitting clinic
The importance of mentorship and community
Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent — this episode will remind you that your journey isn’t defined by the obstacles, but by the heart you show after them.
#FightingForOvertime #YouthSports #Baseball #SouthamptonPA #UVAWise #Resilience #BaseballLife #AthleteMindset #Motivation #Coaching
***Follow DJ's Hitting Clinic Page for More Info -- www.instagram.com/djdickson.hitting
SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ
***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 dive 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.

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
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/
About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive 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.