Hi {{first_name}}
II’m Chad Henry. I’ve spent years coaching, directing programs, and learning firsthand that keeping families engaged after the first season can be just as hard as getting them in the door. Year 2 is when parent excitement turns into questions about progress, commitment, and whether the spark is still there. In this edition, I’m sharing how the best programs help families push through that phase with perspective and confidence. When parents understand what’s normal and kids feel supported through the hard parts, they don’t just stay, they grow. Let me here know if your program has its own way of tackling the Year 2 wall, and have a great week in youth sports.
Chad Henry and the Signature Locker Team
🧭 The Year 2 Wake-Up Call
The honeymoon’s over. The cleats that once couldn’t come off fast enough now “get left at home.” Parents who cheered the loudest last season are suddenly asking if their kid’s “falling behind.”
That’s the Year 2 slump and it’s more common than most program directors realize. The excitement fades, progress slows, and families start questioning whether they made the right choice.
This week’s feature breaks down how to help parents and players push through that phase instead of quitting mid-season. From expectation-setting to mid-season check-ins, it’s a guide for turning the Year 2 slump into the foundation for long-term commitment.
Read the full story below. 👇.
Tech Tips for Youth Sports Program Directors Who Feel Like Accidental CTOs
If your tech stack looks more like a jigsaw puzzle than a system, you’re not alone. Most program directors are drowning in logins, apps, and endless “forgot password” requests.
This week’s feature shows you how to cut the chaos, save hours each week, and make your software finally work for you, not the other way around.
🏗️ Train Your Coaches to Spot Year 2 Struggles Early
Our article covers what to tell parents. But your coaches are the ones on the field watching Year 2 families in real time. If they can't identify and address the slump early, your communication strategy won't matter.
Here's how to equip coaches to catch Year 2 issues before families quietly quit:
1. Give coaches a "red flag" shortlist.
At your coaches meeting, teach them the three early warning signs: Kid suddenly quiet or disengaged (was chatty in Year 1), parents hovering more or asking comparison questions ("how's she doing compared to the others?"), and missed practices after perfect Year 1 attendance. When coaches spot these, they reach out immediately.
2. Script the sideline conversation.
Most coaches want to help but don't know what to say. Give them this: "Hey, I noticed [kid] seems a bit quieter lately. Year 2 can be tough because the work gets harder. Totally normal. How are they feeling about practice?" Opens the door without making parents defensive.
3. Create a weekly "check-in" ritual.
Have coaches spend 30 seconds with each kid at practice start: "What's one thing you want to get better at today?" Year 2 kids need to feel seen individually when group progress feels slow. This micro-connection prevents the "coach doesn't notice me" spiral.
4. Teach the "effort observation" technique.
Train coaches to send one parent text per week highlighting specific effort: "Mia worked really hard on her footwork today—asked great questions and stayed focused." Parents drowning in Year 2 doubt need concrete evidence their kid is progressing, even when it's not obvious on the scoreboard.
Your coaches see the Year 2 struggle before you do. Train them to intervene early, and you'll save families you didn't even know were considering leaving.
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