News

06/10/2022 00:00, In Blog / Track & Field / School News /

 Richard Shorter the 'Non Perfect Parent' is back for a fourth year across a number of sporting organisations in Wales who work with their parents to best support their children during their pathway journey and the growth of their sporting potential.

 Welsh Athletics, Cricket Wales and Hockey Wales – three of the founding sports behind the series three years ago – continue to be involved whilst Badminton Wales have confirmed their involvement for their second year. Welsh Rowing and Disability Sport Wales replace the outgoing Welsh Gymnastics meaning the 2022/23 series is set to be the biggest one yet in terms of collaborative NGB presence.

 Richard has over 20 years of working with parents from his days as a youth worker. He has delivered numerous parenting courses for local authorities and statutory agencies, as well as lecturing at universities including the teaching of trainee social work students about effective strategies for working with families.

Richard has also has significant experience within the sports sector having worked with the likes of Manchester United, England Rugby, the England & Wales Cricket Board, England Hockey, Saracens, Millfield School, Newcastle Falcons and Somerset Cricket. A public speaker in his own right, he has featured on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss the joys and challenges of sporting parents at the highest level. 

The workshops this year will continue to run via virtual means and will occur on the following dates:

• Session 1 (10^th November 2022): Sports parenting – how do sports parents connect effectively with the layered identities of through a young person's journey? Click here to book.
• Session 2 (8^th December 2022: Parent coach relationship – exploring the challenges and opportunities around this, including how to positively engage with match/event officials. Click here to book.
• Session 3 (12^th January 2023): Distraction management – when inner and external voices are going to discuss your children from exploring their potential and how to manage them (Incl. social media). Click here to book.
• Session 4 (16^th February 2023): Bumps in the Road - exploring selection and injury challenges as well as how to build resilience. Click here to book.
• Session 5 (9^th March 2023): Study balance – how to support your child thrive during exam periods. What can this look like? Click here to book.
• Session 6 (11^th May 2023: Keeping motivated – how to explore what motivates our children to stay in sport and how to support them. Click here to book.

All sessions begin at 8pm, last one hour and are available for Mum's and Dad's.

Parent Testimonials from the previous two series in Wales:

• Parent 1: "The conversations before and after the game or training in the car!! I've found these to be a big change from what they used to be – they are now fun or a joy!"
• Parent 2: "The sessions have re-emphasised the importance of resilience, mental health, positive attitudes, support and the need to reflect on how safe a space we create as parents for our kids to make mistakes."