The South West Sport Clubroom

In episode three of our six-part junior sport series, we sit down once again with registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to explore one of the biggest factors in a young athlete’s sporting journey — confidence.Is confidence something kids are simply born with, or is it shaped by the environments around them? From coaches and parents to teammates, social media and performance expectations, we unpack the many factors that influence how young athletes see themselves both on and off the field.Joel shares practical insights into how confidence is built, why resilience matters just as much as talent, and how adults involved in local sport can help create environments where kids feel supported to learn, grow and enjoy the game.This is a valuable conversation for parents, coaches, volunteers and young athletes alike, focused on helping kids build healthy self-belief and positive lifelong connections to sport.

In this episode, we’re joined again by registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to explore the powerful role parents play in junior sport.From the sidelines to the car ride home, parents can have a lasting impact on how kids experience sport—shaping their confidence, enjoyment, and long-term involvement. Joel unpacks what supportive behaviour really looks like, the common traps many well-meaning parents fall into, and how small changes can make a big difference.This is an honest and practical conversation about finding the right balance—being involved without adding pressure, and helping kids thrive in sport for the right reasons.Whether you’re cheering from the boundary or supporting behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable insights to help create a more positive sporting experience for young athletes.

In our first ever episode, we sit down with registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to unpack one of the biggest challenges in junior sport right now—pressure.From selection stress and sideline expectations to the growing influence of social media and early talent pathways, Joel shares what’s really going on inside the minds of young athletes. We explore where this pressure comes from, how it shows up, and the long-term impact it can have on confidence, enjoyment, and development.This conversation isn’t about blaming parents or coaches—it’s about understanding the environment we’re creating in local sport, and how we can better support kids to stay in the game for the long run.If you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete, this is a must-listen episode full of practical insights and honest discussion about what really matters in junior sport.