Building Stronger Kids: Jake Kirsch’s Blueprint for Youth Sports Done Right

Youth sports are changing fast! There's more pressure, earlier specialization, and kids feeling college-level stress before they even hit middle school. But what if training didn’t revolve around wins, rankings, or chasing scholarships? What if it actually built confidence, character, and long-term growth?

In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Jake Kirsch, Senior Director at ETS Performance and former Division I football player, to break down what healthy youth development should look like today. Jake helps lead programs that train thousands of young athletes nationwide, alongside pros like Adam Thielen, and he’s on a mission to redefine performance training from the ground up.

Together, we dive into:

• How ETS builds strong, confident kids without burning them out
• Long-term development vs. the “win now” mindset
• The importance of community, mentorship, and positive reinforcement
• What parents and coaches often get wrong about youth performance
• How to spot the early signs of burnout — and stop it before it’s too late
• Why kids today feel D1 pressure at 12… and how to change that

As a former D1 athlete, Jake shares personal experiences with pressure, expectations, and what he wishes he knew before entering high-level sports — plus how ETS builds environments where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to grow. This isn’t just about producing better athletes… it’s about raising stronger humans.

***Follow Jake and all of his training HERE: www.linktr.ee/coachjakekirsch

***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 (fightingforovertime@gmail.com). Remember, you are not alone! 

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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.

#YouthSports #ETSPerformance #MentalHealth #ConfidenceBuilding #YouthAthleteDevelopment #FightingForOvertime #SportsParenting #AthleteMindset #BurnoutPrevention #PositiveCoaching