ShareWaves

Don’t Miss This! March Sports Sector Coffee Meetup at Mildred’s. Calling all KC Youth Sports changemakers, the coffee (and the conversation) will be strong this Thursday morning. Join us for the March Sports Sector Coffee Meetup at Mildred’s in the Crossroads—an energizing way to start your day with great people, fresh ideas, and powerful connections. ?? Date: Thursday, March 27 ? Time: 8:00 AM ?? Location: Mildred’s (Crossroads Location) 1901 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Sports Sector Co-Lead Bill B. Brandmeyer hosts this month’s meetup. We’ll discuss reflections from The Aspen Institute's - Project Play Summit and March Gladness. Curious minds, come ready—because we’ll be unpacking the big question Robin Shook posed during his breakout session at Aspen. It sparked real buzz… and might change our opinion of play equity in Kansas City. Whether you’re in youth sports, education, health, or community work—if you care about helping kids thrive through movement and play, this is where you need to be. ? No RSVP required ? No formal agenda ? Just real talk, strong coffee, and good people working to make a difference Bring a colleague, spread the word, and let’s keep the momentum going. This is how community change starts. You in? #movetogetherkc #SportsSector #YouthSports #PlayEquity #MarchGladness #PhysicalActivity #KansasCityCollaboration #CoffeeWithAPurpose #KansasCityPhysicalActivityPlan

What’s Coming??? At ShareWaves, we care deeply about the well-being of our children. That’s why we’re launching a new series of posts spotlighting the biggest issues in youth sports and adolescent mental health and sharing working solutions. We’ll bring you research, real stories, and reflections that inspire action. Follow along to see how we’re using sports to build better humans. Let’s keep this conversation going. Let’s move together.

The Cost of Pressure in Youth Sports When the pressure to win outweighs the joy of play, kids walk away—and who can blame them? We’ve all seen the sideline meltdowns, the early retirements, the anxiety. ShareWaves is working to flip the script. We’re here to remove barriers, center mental health, and rebuild youth sports around purpose, not pressure. Let’s make sports fun again. Article: The Independent Florida Alligator - How Excessive Pressure is Killing Youth Sports

Briana Scurry Said It Best “Team sports taught me about discipline, responsibility, and the power of showing up for others.” Soccer legend Briana Scurry’s reflections echo what we see daily at ShareWaves. When kids play, they grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The field, court, or track becomes a training ground not just for athletes but for better humans. Let’s invest in these lessons. Let’s create access for all kids. Article: Boys & Girls Clubs of America - 4 Ways Team Sports Shape Us: Insights from Soccer Champion Briana Scurry

Less Screen Time. More Play. Too much screen time, not enough play—this simple truth is at the heart of so much of what today’s kids are facing. At ShareWaves, we believe movement is medicine. Exercise, play, and team sports promote better mental health, stronger social skills, and academic success. We’re helping communities replace scrolling with sprinting and anxiety with action. Let’s give kids more than screen time—let’s give them real-time. Article: News Medical - Limiting Screen Time and Promoting Physical Activity May Help Safeguard Children’s Mental Health

Keep Sports Where They Belong Kids are leaving high school sports for private clubs—and we understand why. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. If schools prioritize character, community, and connection, they can bring kids back. At ShareWaves, we work with coaches, teachers, and parents to do just that. Sports in school should be a source of identity, purpose, and lifelong lessons. Let’s invest in what matters. Article: The Conversation - High School Sports Are Losing Athletes to Private Clubs

Burnout is Real—and Preventable Four words no kid should associate with sports: I’m tired of it. Burnout is real, especially when young athletes are pushed too hard, too fast, for too long. At ShareWaves, we believe in balance—physical, mental, and emotional. Our camps and programs prioritize play, skill-building, mentorship, and mental wellness. Let’s reimagine youth sports as a path to lifelong health—not early exit. Article: Columbia Missourian - Four Ways to Avoid Burnout in Youth Sports

Youth sports are about more than games—they’re about growth. This article reminds us that success does not come from overtraining or overscheduling but from purpose, character, and a positive environment. At ShareWaves, we help kids and parents focus on what matters: mental health, belonging, fun, and the skills that lead to lifelong success. Let’s shift the culture—from pressure to play, burnout to buy-in. Article: Sports Business Journal - The Youth Sports Buy-In

The Lingering Shadow of COVID-19 The pandemic may be in the rearview, but its impact is still very real for too many of our youth. Isolation, anxiety, and loss have taken root—and the mental health crisis continues to grow. At ShareWaves, we believe movement, mentorship, and meaningful relationships through sports can help young people rebuild. Together, we can create safe, supportive spaces that promote resilience and healing. Let’s keep showing up for kids—on and off the field. Article: Psychology Today - The Lingering Shadow of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health

Join Us for the March "Sports Sector" Coffee Meetup at Mildred’s Kansas City Sports Sector Coffee Meetup on Thursday, March 27, at 8:00 AM at Mildred's in the Crossroads, 1901 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108 This month’s discussion, led by Sports Sector Co-Lead Bill B., will focus on key takeaways from the Aspen Project Play Summit and updates on KC-Play Equity Coalition. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals committed to advancing play equity, collaboration, and youth sports development in Kansas City. Why Attend? ** You can engage in meaningful talks on the future of youth sports in our region. ** Share insights and feedback on recent initiatives. ** Build valuable connections with leaders in sports, education, and community engagement. There’s no set end time, but we anticipate attendees staying for about an hour and a half. Feel free to drop by, grab a coffee, and join the conversation. Please share this invitation with your networks—the more voices at the table, the more significant our impact! Comment below if you plan to attend, or tag someone who should join us! #SportsSector #YouthSports #PlayEquity #PhysicalActivity #CommunityEngagement #CollaborationMatters