Reflections from Project Play 2025: Let's Accelerate Positive Change!

Wow! Project Play 2025 at UC Berkeley was an energizing two days spent connecting with fellow youth sports organizations – a fantastic annual gathering focused on learning, sharing, and growth.

Being surrounded by so much knowledge sparked a familiar question: why can't positive change happen faster in youth sports? Yet, as many of us know, some challenges persist and even intensify.

On the drive back to San Francisco, Hazen asked, “What were your 3 main takeaways from the conference?”. Here’s what resonated most from Day 2:

The Undeniable Importance of Physical Education: With school funding often stretched thin, PE programs are frequently on the chopping block. Ironically, elite athletes are often exempt, fulfilling activity requirements through their sport. However, Project Play reinforced the crucial role of PE in developing well-rounded, multisport athletes who build diverse muscle groups, contributing to overall physical well-being. This further validates the vital work of SFYS’s @School program within SFUSD schools.

Challenging the "New Normal" of Injury: During the "Future of Injury & Athlete Health Care" session, a panelist’s question hit hard: “Why has this become normal?” Why are major injuries like ACL tears and Tommy John surgery increasingly seen as part of a young athlete's journey? Youth sports providers and parents must prioritize player safety. This echoes a conversation with my own child, who, upon hearing coaches suggest a potential D3 college career, questioned the likelihood of needing a double knee replacement by age 25.

The Power of Resilience and Late Specialization: Hearing three-time Olympian Gary Hall Jr.’s deeply personal story of loss of home, business and community from the Southern California fires was incredibly moving. Hazen and I were fortunate to have Gary sit down next to us (and my co-panelist André Lachance) during lunch. Our lunchtime conversation with Gary revealed a relatable childhood of Saturday morning cereal and cartoons. His elite-level training did not begin until he was 12/13 years old, despite his father's Olympic legacy. While not a new observation, this reinforces the potential benefits of delaying intense specialization, perhaps contributing to his longevity in the sport.

I enjoyed reconnecting with 2024 Project Play Champions and making new connections with both current and former SFYS parents. Beyond these three initial takeaways and connections, my absolute favorite thing to share at Project Play was the exciting news that Hazen is a 2025 Positive Coaching Alliance National Finalist!

Want to dive deeper? You can explore all the sessions on the Project Play Website.