John Engh

John Engh is executive director of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) in West Palm Beach, Fla. He can be reached via email at jengh@nays.org.

16 Articles

Mental Health Matters

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked in youth sports, which can lead to devastating consequences.

Columns 4 min read

Cultivating Passionate Participants

When I was younger, I couldn’t wait for the next season to start, and it didn’t matter for what sport. Baseball was my first choice, but basketball, football, soccer, and wrestling were all big in my house.

Columns 3 min read

Cultivating Courage

Growing up, I played just about every sport imaginable, and I’m glad I did. I loved baseball from the start and was lucky to play all through high school. Everything about the game fascinated me.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 3 min read

Sidelining Spectators

On a recent drive to work, I decided to write a column about the importance of coaches and administrators knowing about heat illness and how to help prevent it in youth sports. Living in South Florida, I always found the subject intriguing.

This article is for Members only

Columns 2 min read

Golden Values

One reason I love writing this column is it reminds me to step back, reminisce, and write about the youth sports experience.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read

A Baffling Bill

This headline recently appeared in North Carolina: “NC senators propose eliminating participation trophies for youth sports.”

Columns 3 min read

Seizing On Safety

Recently, I came across a story that really hit home. The event happened on a local youth baseball field near our office. Most likely, however, it struck a chord because the story involved a 6-year-old boy playing baseball, and it brought me back to my baseball-coaching days.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read

Just Ask

Our annual Youth Sports Congress hosts a national awards ceremony, during which I have the pleasure of interviewing our Coach and Parent of the Year winners.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 2 min read

All In On Accountability

This article is for Members only

Columns 2 min read

Supporting Our Volunteers

Clearly defined expectations can help recruit more youth coaches and staff Volunteer recruitment and retention have always been two of the most challenging responsibilities for

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 3 min read

The Power of Fist Bumps

Safe, supportive physical contact can create positive environments for youth athletes One of the benefits of writing a monthly column about important issues in youth

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 3 min read

Protecting Value

Every year, one of our staff’s best experiences involves reviewing the many applications for the Excellence in Youth Sports Award.

This article is for Paid-members only

Sports Spotlight 3 min read