RU Sport Psych Podcast: Mark O’Sullivan, Martin Camiré and Siubhéan Crowne

In this episode, Daði Rafnsson from Reykjavík University discusses the professionalization of children’s and youth sports with internationally renowned experts. It was recorded in connection with the Reykjavik International Games in January 2026. Guests are Mark O’Sullivan, Martin Camiré and Siubhéan Crowne. Professionalization in youth sport refers to the increasing adoption of adult professional sport structures, practices, and expectations within youth and junior sport environments, including early specialization, intensive training regimes, competitive selection systems, and the commodification of young athletes' development. Academics are concerned because this shift prioritizes performance outcomes and elite pathway progression over holistic development, often at the expense of children's physical health, psychological well-being, and enjoyment of sport. Research highlights risks such as burnout, overuse injuries, dropout, and the erosion of intrinsic motivation when young athletes are subjected to adult-oriented demands before they are developmentally ready. The broader critique is that professionalization serves the interests of clubs, coaches, and commercial stakeholders rather than the child, fundamentally misaligning youth sport with its developmental and educational purposes.Mark O’Sullivan is an associate professor of sport and coaching science at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo. He holds a PhD in coaching science and a UEFA A Licence in football, combining academic research with high-level coaching experience. His work focuses on skill acquisition, athlete development, and ecological dynamics, with an emphasis on applying theory to real-world coaching.Martin Camiré is a professor at the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, specializing in sport and youth development. He holds a PhD in human kinetics and is a leading researcher on life skills, mental health, and positive youth development through sport. His work focuses on how coaches and sport environments can promote personal growth, well-being, and social responsibility in young athletes.Siubhéan Crowne is a UK-based sport psychologist and PhD researcher working with elite football academies. She combines academic research with applied practice, supporting players, coaches, and staff in managing performance demands and psychological challenges. Her work focuses on athlete well-being, stress management, and using sport to support personal development.Further material on professionalization in youth sports:Mark’s talk from the conference in 2026 can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw9DZb2hBQA&t=2151sMartin’s talk from the conference in 2026 can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9FlzeHwZQ8&t=90sDaði’s talk from the conference in 2025 can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJzZQtP1Ozo&t=1868s///Í þessum þætti ræðir Daði Rafnsson frá íþróttadeild HR, afreksvæðingu barna- og unglingaíþrótta við alþjóðlega viðurkennda sérfræðinga. Þátturinn var tekinn upp í tengslum við Reykjavik International Games í janúar 2026. Gestir þáttarins eru þau Mark O’Sullivan, Martin Camiré og Siubhéan Crowne.UM ÍÞRÓTTARABBIÐÍþróttarabb HR er þáttasyrpa innan HR hlaðvarpsins. Það er íþróttafræðideild Háskólans í Reykjavík sem heldur syrpunni úti. Í þáttunum er spjallað um hreyfingu, íþróttir, keppni, kennslu og þjálfun við gesti og gangandi í faginu. Samskiptateymi HR  hefur umsjón með HR hlaðvarpinu ([email protected]). HR hlaðvarpið er aðgengilegt á öllum helstu streymisveitum.