Family units are the first teams that children engage with, and the skills that they learn from being part of a family are the skills they will bring to their sports team. But how do you model good teamwork for your athlete at home?

Here, Dr. Charron Sumler, TrueSport Expert and Assistant Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services at The Ohio State University, explains how parents and caregivers can model good teamwork through house rules, communication, and conflict resolution.

Model Conflict Resolution

“Kids don’t just learn from being told what to do—they learn from experience. So, teaching your athletes how to handle conflict is less about what you say and more about how you act,” Sumler says. “They learn from watching adults and then modeling that behavior. So, you can talk to your kids about how to handle a conflict, but they’re going to be more likely to model their behavior after how they see you handle conflict.”

Sumler explains that it’s important to start becoming aware that your athletes are watching you, whether you’re having an argument with your partner or recovering from a bad day at work. How you show up in those moments is going to influence how they act at home, in school, and on the field.

Model Respectful Communication

“A big skill that athletes need to learn is emotional regulation, and that is one of the biggest skills that they learn from their caregivers,” Sumler says. “They watch how you react when you’re treated unfairly, and that will show them how to react when they feel they’re being unfairly treated. How do you respond when you’re in a disagreement with your boss? Are you calm? Do you become confrontational? Your response is going to give them a blueprint for how they respond to problems on the field.”

Does this mean you should never show emotion or reveal when you’re going through a challenge? Absolutely not, says Sumler. Sharing a tough moment with your athlete can be a great way to help them develop a model for dealing with conflict. “Caregivers should be vulnerable enough to share when they’re having a tense moment and explain how they’re handling it. For example, you can show that it’s possible to have a disagreement with your boss while still managing your tone and maintaining a sense of respect for each other.”

If you do act in a way that you wouldn’t want your athlete to model in a conflict, it’s also important to call out that behavior and explain why it wasn’t helpful. “If you handle something in a way that isn’t productive, it’s important to acknowledge that so your athlete doesn’t model that behavior,” she says. “It’s extremely beneficial when caregivers can explain to their athletes that they handled something in a way they wish they hadn’t, and what they should have done instead. You’re going to have those moments because you’re human, but what matters most is how you acknowledge those moments afterwards.”

Create Routines that Enforce Teamwork

Routines are as important for teamwork as communication: Pregame rituals, expectations during practice, and how an athlete handles travel for competition are all highly routinized. The more an athlete can anticipate and understand the value of routines, the easier it will be for them to adapt to different team expectations.

“Involve your athlete in routines at home that help build accountability and contribution,” Sumler says. “This can be things like specific chores your athlete is assigned, but I encourage parents to think beyond just making beds and doing laundry. Think about activities like meal prepping for school lunches and other tasks that can teach helpful skills for the athlete in the long run.” She also suggests bringing athletes into the routines that surround training and competition.

Create Firm Boundaries

“Boundaries teach athletes how to respect structure, time, and space, which are critical on teams,” says Sumler. “So for caregivers, implementing boundaries in the house will help athletes understand what’s expected and what’s not tolerated. For example, you could set boundaries around sporting events for your family where everyone is expected to show positive effort, positive communication, and gratitude. You don’t blame others or quit without reflection.”

You can also create more specific boundaries that benefit the family, such as a mandatory 10-minute screen time break on the drive home from the game.

Model Respect for Coach

One of the most obvious ways that caregivers can model good teamwork is through their relationship with the athlete’s coach. “Your athlete is constantly absorbing your impressions of the coach and their actions, and if you are constantly disagreeing with the coach, you’re undermining their authority and encouraging the athlete to disrespect their coach,” says Sumler.

“If caregivers have concerns about things like playing time or the starting lineup, this is a great chance to model good communication strategies,” says Sumler. “You can explain to the athlete that you plan to set up a meeting with the coach to share your concerns rather than venting in front of the whole team or other parents.”

However, Sumler does note that if you can help your athlete communicate directly with the coach instead of you becoming involved, that’s ideal. “When parents insert themselves often, then athletes develop the expectation that if something goes wrong, someone else is going to come fix it or address it for them,” says Sumler.

Takeaway

Your athletes are constantly learning from you, modeling their communication style, routines, and boundaries after what they’ve observed at home. You can help your athletes thrive in a team setting by creating a healthy team at home. Model the communication style that you want your athlete to use, create routines that teach your athlete the life skills they will need later, and help your athlete develop firm boundaries that they can actually understand and enforce.

About TrueSport

TrueSport^®, a movement powered by the experience and values of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, champions the positive values and life lessons learned through youth sport. Backed by U.S. Congressional mandate, TrueSport inspires athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators to change the culture of youth sport through active engagement and thoughtful curriculum based on cornerstone lessons of sportsmanship, character-building, and clean and healthy performance, while also creating leaders across communities through sport.

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While a non-competitive youth soccer league will allow someone to learn quite a few lessons that can be applied to everyday life, some players want more from the game, even from a young age.  The Patterson Youth Soccer League (PYSL) is a recreational league that has a gateway to higher competition, Patterson Heat FC.  

Patterson Heat FC, which was established in 2023, participates in the NorCal Premier League, which is home to some of the top youth programs in the state who are constantly producing high-end talent, including San Juan Soccer Club in Rancho Cordova and the Bay Area Surf in San Jose.

In the past, many players looking to play a high level would have to travel to a program in the Bay Area or closer to Sacramento. Now, the combination of two programs ensures that there’s a local path for those hoping to eventually reach a high level of play.

Patterson Heat FC is run by current team president, and Patterson High School alumna, Natalie Rios. Rios, a co-founder of the Patterson Youth Soccer League, works closely with the organization’s Director of Coaching Oscar Roman to focus on “technical excellence, game intelligence, and long-term player development.”

Patterson Heat FC will have an action-packed morning of soccer this Saturday, as they’ll host three games at Floragold Park.

• 10 AM: vs U9B Merced Albion (7v7)
• 10 AM: vs U12B TLJ Stockton (9v9)
• 11 AM: vs U9B Livingston Fuego FC (7v7)

Starting in August, Patterson Heat FC will compete in the NorCal Fall Premier League with the following teams:

• U8 Boys
• U9 Team A & B Boys
• U11 Boys
• U12 Boys
• U13 Girls

Between the two programs put in place, it seems like in the future we’ll see quite a few soccer players from Patterson making an impact at high levels of the game.

Despite the frequent turnover associated with military life, one thing remains constant at Fort Gordon — excellence on the baseball field. The Fort Gordon Braves youth baseball team, made up of players under 13 years old, secured their fourth consecutive championship in the local YMCA league, closing out the season with an impressive 5-1 record and continuing a remarkable tradition of success.

More Than a Game: Building Character in a Digital World

The Braves’ success goes beyond wins and losses — it reflects the Army’s broader effort to improve quality of life for military families. Fort Gordon’s Youth Sports & Fitness program, part of Army Child and Youth Services, offers children ages 3 to 18 a chance to grow physically, emotionally and socially through organized sports.

“This is more than baseball,” said Gerard Arnett, Youth Sports & Fitness director and team coach. “We’re building resilience, teamwork and confidence in our youth. Winning is great — but seeing these kids grow and mature over the season is even better.”

Arnett, with CYS since 2014 and director since 2017, said youth sports instill values that last well beyond the season. “Teamwork, problem-solving and resiliency — those are the kinds of things that help kids grow into well-rounded adults.”

In today’s screen-heavy world, sports offer balance, real-life connections and lasting memories. “It teaches them how to interact with others and work through challenges,” Arnett said. “When kids are isolated behind video games, they miss out on that. Sports help prepare them for real life — where teamwork and communication matter.”

Leadership and Coaching Commitment

Much of the Braves’ success stems from a dedicated coaching staff, led by longtime volunteer and head coach Antonio “Tony” Lindo — a Department of the Army civilian whose role brings stability and continuity to the program as military families rotate in and out.

Lindo, who began coaching at Fort Gordon in 2013, has led more than 25 teams across multiple sports. His coaching philosophy centers on effort and character. “I tell the kids our goal is simple: have fun and play hard,” Lindo said. “We never talk about winning or losing — just effort. If they give their best, success follows.”

He also incorporates modern tools to support that development. Lindo and his staff use a mobile app to track player stats and game details — leveraging technology to analyze trends, enhance strategy and manage the season more effectively.

The coaching team includes Staff Sgt. Austin Bryan of the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Youth Sports Director Arnett, and TJ Lindo, assistant coach and son of Coach Lindo. Their mix of experience, roles and perspectives adds depth to the mentorship the players receive.

“I’ve been lucky to have a strong coaching team,” Lindo said. “Everyone steps up to support the kids and each other — that kind of teamwork sets the tone.”

Rising to the Challenge

Coaching youth baseball in a military community presents unique hurdles — particularly the constant rotation of players.

“We often have kids who’ve never held a baseball before alongside kids who’ve played for years,” Lindo said. “Balancing development and making sure everyone improves is a rewarding challenge.”

The Braves started the season with a narrow 1-0 loss but responded with five straight wins. “They learned from that first game,” Lindo said. “They stayed focused and didn’t lose again.”

Practices often extended beyond their scheduled time, a reflection of the team’s commitment — and the vital support of parents. “The parents are amazing,” Lindo said. “None of this works without them. They’re the reason these kids can show up and give it their all.”

Looking ahead, Lindo emphasized the need for more players. “We’re proud of our core group, but we want to grow,” he said. “We need more kids to come out and give it a shot. The more involvement we have, the stronger the program becomes.”

Games were held at Woodside High School, where Fort Gordon families and community members turned out to cheer the team on.

A Team of Champions

Among the season’s standouts was Langston Walker, the team’s starting pitcher, whose dedication set the tone for the team.

“He practiced so much he put holes in our fence,” said his mother, Asanti Walker, with a laugh. “Whatever Coach Lindo tells him to do, he comes home and practices it right away. He takes it seriously.”

Langston started with no experience in the sport. Today, he plays with confidence and leadership — both on and off the field. “He brings baseball to school,” Walker said. “He’s introduced his friends to it, and now they’re playing too. He’s become a leader, and he’s still a straight-A student.”

Walker credited the coaches for nurturing that growth. “Coach Lindo really helped shape Langston into the player and young man he’s becoming,” she said.

Beyond the Scoreboard

The Braves’ championship run is more than a streak — it’s a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around its youth. Thanks to dedicated coaches, engaged parents and the resources provided by CYS, Fort Gordon’s young athletes are learning lessons that will stick with them for life — one pitch, one swing and one season at a time.

Families interested in registering for youth sports at Fort Gordon can visit https://gordon.armymwr.com/programs/youth-sports to learn more and sign up.

State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “With the implementation of Desha’s Law, a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), a detailed outline on what steps to take in a cardiac emergency, will be in place at every public school across the state. Thank you again Governor Hochul for signing this vital legislation into law today. May Desha’s memory save the lives of future student athletes and continue to live in all of our hearts forever.”

Mother of Desha, Anika Florence-Hall said, “Our grief is deep, but knowing Desha inspired this legislation means so much. My family and I are grateful for the passage of this law. Desha will help so many others who I hope will never face the same kind of tragedy.”

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said, “Desha’s Law is a vital bill that will enable our schools to proactively plan and safeguard our student-athletes. This bill is about preparation, not panic, and about empowering health officials and athletic staff to save lives. We have seen how instances of cardiac arrest impact families from all backgrounds—whether on the national level or right here in our local school districts. I am ecstatic that we have passed this bill and appreciate the partnership of Senator April Baskin, the American Heart Association, and Governor Kathy Hochul.”

Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin said, “To know that my experience is leading to real change — not just for people I know, but for lives I may never meet — means the world to me. This is bigger than football. We’re putting the right systems in place to save lives, and that’s a legacy I’m proud to be part of.”

National Football League Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Kenneth Edmonds said, “On behalf of the National Football League and the more than 40 organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this common-sense, life-saving measure. With this bill crossing the goal line and into law, New York’s school communities and scholastic athletic venues will be better prepared with a plan and the practice to swing into action and respond effectively to a cardiac emergency if it occurs. This is a victory for student safety.”

President of the American Red Cross Training Services Jack McMaster said, “This bill is a step towards making schools and communities across the country safer by ensuring access to AEDs, providing CPR training and creating emergency response plans, we are excited to be a part of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition which has advocated for this lifesaving legislation. We look forward to working with schools nationwide as they train for the moments that matter.”

New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this critical legislation that will help ensure the health and safety of our state’s children while they are participating in school activities. This significant initiative is another example of the Governor’s deep commitment to enabling all children to have a healthy and physically active life. The Governor’s Unplug and Play initiative focuses on exactly that – getting offline and getting outside, all a part of New York State’s efforts to reduce the risk factors associated with a reliance on social media and sedentary lifestyles. Those efforts also include historic investments and supports for positive youth development programming, such as the $15 million increase in state funding that OCFS is administering to support youth sports and youth development programs statewide.”

Area coaches, parents and high school students are invited to take part in a free safety event aimed at making youth sports safer.

AdventHealth and the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl will co-host the 2025 Youth Sports Safety Summit on August 17, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa.

The event will include free CPR certification, AED training and mental health education led by area experts. Attendees can also opt in for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Raymond James Stadium. All participants will receive two complimentary tickets to the 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, scheduled for December 19.

“This event is about building a stronger and safer youth sports community through education,” said Scott Glaser, director of events for the Gasparilla Bowl. “If all we do is save one life, it’s worth it.”

Participants must register by August 13. The event is open to adults and high school students.

Earlier this summer, the Broken Bow Optimists Club released a statement stating that due to low membership numbers they would be looking at no longer being an active club.  Brian Johnson has been serving as the President of Optimists Club and told KCNI/KBBN that this was not what the group wanted to see happen.

“Not at all. Not something that we were wanting to happen, but these discussions were going on even before I joined the club, which was probably five years ago, I think. It’s just that it takes a lot of manpower throughout the year to run a lot of the programs we’ve been running.”

Being a youth-based organization, Johnson said the group has sponsored a lot of youth sports programs over the years.  While the organization numbers may not be there currently to continue sponsorship of certain programs, Johnson said he sees other entities that may be in a better position to continue what the Optimists Club has helped build.  Among those groups stepping in to help continue sports opportunities for youth is the newly formed Custer County Youth Sports.  The group is being spear headed by Samantha Jensen and Chelsey Gilliespie.  Both were recent guests on KCNI’s Public Affairs and announced that the group would be taking over the organization of the youth soccer program.  Both thanked and praised the Optimists Club for what they have done for youth sports over the years and saw the need for continuing the soccer program.  Jensen emphasized that the group would be taking over the soccer program only.

“So, at the moment, the only thing we have 100% committed is soccer. So, we will be taking over soccer from the Optimist group. And actually, the Optimist club has graciously agreed to donate all their soccer equipment to us, which is so unbelievably huge that they did that. We can’t say thank you enough.”

The group is in its infant stages currently with the focus on administrative setup for a nonprofit organization.  Jensen said fundraising and finding others who share their desire in continuing the area’s youth soccer program are other focal points as the organization becomes established.

“We’re in the nonprofit setup stage. So, I’ve initiated those steps. The next thing we really need to do is get a board together. So right now, we have several parents who when the Optimists’ news broke, we got connected to them and we have a lot of folks who are very passionately wanting to get involved. But I would just say if anybody is very adamantly wanting to be involved in helping at least the soccer program continue, we need to assemble a board and make sure that we’re all aligned and how we’re going to go about this and how we’re going to function as a group. And then it’ll be talking to businesses, fundraising. We have zero dollars right now. So, we’re going to need to do some fundraising and just community outreach.”

The group has created a Facebook page and group for those who would like to find out more and join.  The page is “Custer County Youth Sports” and can be accessed by clicking here