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An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project

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An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
About
Featured

Wendi Henderson on Improving Youth Sport

Wendi Henderson is a former Football Ferns player and since her playing days has gone on to coach women’s football at all levels. On top of her vast experience in football, Wendi is also a Sport NZ Balance...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
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Sport Leadership

Mike Dawson on Improving Youth Sport

Mike Dawson is a former Canoe Slalom Olympian. In this video, Mike discusses his perspective on why Balance is Better in youth sport. Mike has competed on the world stage in his sport, but is also one of...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
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Development & Performance

Youth Development in Rugby with Russell Earnshaw

This video is shared by Player Development Project. This interview features former England U18 Rugby Coach and International 7’s player, Russell Earnshaw. Player Development Project Editor, Dave Wright dives into a conversation with Russell on the types of...
Russell Earnshaw 45 Min Watch
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Development & Performance

How do I help develop a physically mature young player?

This video is shared by Player Development Project The question this week comes from David, via the Player Development Project Facebook Page: “How can I help develop a physically mature young player? Image Credit: Sport NZ
Dave Wright 10 Min Watch
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Development & Performance

Rebecca Dubber on Improving Youth Sport

Rebecca Dubber is a New Zealand Paralympic bronze medalist, who is passionate about getting more young people involved in sport and breaking down barriers. She shares her story and her role as a Balance is Better Champion. Rebecca...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
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Coaching Fundamentals

Thanks Coach

What motivates people to be a coach? The video below outlines a few of the valuable reasons we need to ensure we respect and value our coaches across codes around the country. Coaching is often a thankless task,...
Sport NZ 1 Min Read
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Development & Performance

The Principles of Player Development

This video is shared by Player Development Project In this interview, Player Development Project Editor, Dave Wright speaks New Zealand U17 Football Coach, Jose Manuel Figueira on his guiding principles for developing youth football players. This interview was...
Jose Manuel Figueira 28 Min Watch
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Development & Performance

Trail Blazer: An Interview with Lara Andrews

In our interview, we speak to Balance is Better Champion and New Zealand Softball legend, Lara Andrews. In this interview, Player Development Project Editor, Dave Wright hosts Balance is Better Champion, Lara Andrews for an in depth discussion...
Lara Andrews 34 Min Watch
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Secondary School Sport

What are the benefits of mixed playing experiences?

This video is shared by Player Development Project The question this week comes from Paul via email; “What are the benefits of my players being exposed to mixed experiences against players at a better level or older ages?”
Dan Wright 19 Min Watch
Case Studies

Case Study: Pathway to Podium

In this Balance is Better Case Study, we examined the Sport NZ Pathway to Podium program and how it impacted talented Kiwi triathletes, Trent & Ainsley Thorpe. For the Thorpe family, dinner time is important parenting time –...
Sport NZ 3 Min Read

Welcome to the
home of youth sport
in New Zealand.

Welcome
to the home
of youth sport
in New Zealand.

An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
Whether you are a coach, parent, administrator or
a leader in youth sport, Balance is Better is for you.

Balance is Better is a fresh way of thinking around the direction of youth sport in New Zealand. It’s about keeping the fun in the game, creating balance in sport participation and nurturing talent at the right pace.

Young people who receive quality experiences in sport become sport lovers for life. And more kiwis participating means a healthier nation and more young people reaching their full potential as adults.

With a mix of articles, interviews, case studies and videos from specialists within youth sport, endorsed by Sport New Zealand, Balance is Better is a way for you to keep up with the play on the latest help, advice and coaching tips from trusted sources.

About
An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
Sports Parents

Making Sense of Youth Sport

As you delve deeper into understanding the issues and challenges in youth sport today, it becomes clear – it’s complex. So how best to make sense of this complexity? Well, start with the children’s needs for one, and...
Aktive 1 Min Read
Secondary School Sport

When Will Youth Sports Actually Serve the Needs of Youth?

This article is shared by Player Development Project Youth sport is often dominated by an adult lens. Founder of Changing the Game Project, John O’Sullivan shares his excellent article about his recent trip to Australia, his subsequent reflections and...
John O'Sullivan 7 Min Read
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Sport Leadership

Andrew Ellis on Improving Youth Sport

Andrew Ellis is a former Black Caps Cricketer but also played National League football for Canterbury United. Andrew is a great example of why Balance is Better, putting a lot of his sporting success down to playing multiple...
3 Min Watch
Sport Leadership

Leadership in the Age of Complexity

This article is shared by Player Development Project The Big Idea Get ready for a wake-up call to the common among us—which is to say a call to all of us.  In this short paper published in Resurgence Magazine (Winter...
William A. Harper 4 Min Read
Sport Leadership

Learning Begins When Teaching Stops

This article is shared by Player Development Project How does a teacher or coach transition to a learner-centric view where you can allow the learner to explore and develop within the environment? Co-founder of Myfastestmile, Mark Upton reflects on...
Mark Upton 2 Min Read
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Sport Leadership

Gemma McCaw on Improving Youth Sport

Gemma McCaw is a legend of New Zealand Hockey. But how did she achieve success? Gemma shares her experiences, her love for sport and her role as a Balance is Better Champion. Gemma McCaw is one of Sport...
Sport NZ 5 Min Watch
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Sport Leadership

Back to the Future: Steve Hansen on Leadership

In our final instalment of the Steve Hansen Back to the Future series, we hear Steve share insights on leadership Steve goes in to detail as to what key leadership qualities are and how coaches or sport leaders...
Sport NZ 18 Min Watch
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Sports Parents

Les Elder on Improving Youth Sport

Les Elder is living proof of why Balance is Better. Black Ferns Captain, Les Elder is one of Sport NZ’s Balance is Better Champions helping spread the word, drive change and when she’s off the rugby field, work...
Sport NZ 1 Min Read

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