Episode 43: Gordon MacLelland on Courageous Communication as a Coach and Sport Parent
/“Ultimately it was their experience.”
Gordon MacLelland set up the organization Working with Parents in Sport after 20 years as a teacher and as a coach to all age levels from about 7 year olds to Adults. He has a BA in Sports Science from University College Chester and a PGCE from Lancaster University. He is a qualified teacher and has been Director of Sport at an independent prep school in the UK for the last 10 years. He has worked in schools in both the UK and New Zealand for the last 16 years. Gordon is the author of two books, “Great Sports Parenting”, a pocket guide for parents of children in sport and, “Engage”, a coach's guide to building positive relationships with parents. He has recently become a parent to two children and the early sporting experiences of his own children prompted him to set up the company as well as write the two books above. As a speaker he brings a wealth of experience to working with organizations, coaches and parents gathered through 20 years as a teacher and coach as well as a parent currently involved in children’s sport. He and Kathy discuss the importance of perspective for sports parents, the encouragements that are key to athlete’s development, and the two questions NOT to ask post-game. Gordon’s website, http://www.parentsinsport.co.uk also has a wealth of information and resources for parents!
