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Welcome to the Party

The Youth Sports Problem No One Talks About

Welcome to the Party

Treat Media

Sports

4.91.1K Ratings

🗓️ 30 April 2026

⏱️ 43 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

“Burnout isn’t laziness. Burnout isn’t failure.” In this episode, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach take on one of the biggest issues in youth sports right now: why kids are walking away, and what we’re getting wrong. With nearly 70% of kids quitting organized sports by age 13, Julie and Abby break down the real drivers behind burnout, from nonstop schedules and early specialization to pressure from parents, coaches, and the system itself. Drawing from their own experiences as elite athletes and parents, they get honest about: What burnout actually feels like (and why it’s often misunderstood) The pressure kids carry today vs. when they were growing up Why taking a break might be the best thing for long-term success How parents can support without adding more pressure The moments that matter more than any game (yes, go to the prom) Plus, they answer a listener question about expensive club sports—how to tell if a program is truly helping your child grow or just cashing in. The takeaway:
Your kid’s relationship with sport matters more than their résumé. Because joy isn’t a bonus, it’s the fuel.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Transcript

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0:00.0

Burnout isn't laziness.

0:02.7

Burnout is not failure.

0:04.8

If you start making these concessions time after time after time, your life becomes something

0:10.6

that you didn't want.

0:11.8

Let's bring some common sense back to these clubs and coaches.

0:15.7

Do not punish these kids for wanting to go to a prom.

0:20.3

Attention. The party. punish these kids for wanting to go to a prom.

0:38.1

What's up party people?

0:39.1

I'm Julie Fowdy.

0:42.1

And I'm Abby Wambach.

0:44.3

You're Mary is what you are.

0:45.2

You are Mary.

0:47.8

Abigail Wambach.

0:48.7

How are you doing, Jules?

0:49.7

I'm good.

0:56.0

I had a really good weekend of I went to see my folks in Palm Desert. Oh, no way.

0:57.0

And I, when I go to Palm Desert to see them, I call it pickleball heaven.

1:04.0

Aw.

1:05.0

But this time I wasn't going to bring my paddle.

1:08.0

You don't call it a racket because I did that. And they were like, don't call it a racket, because I did that, and they were like,

1:11.1

don't call it a racket, it's a battle.

1:14.2

So I didn't bring my paddle, I don't know why, but I was like, I don't think I have time

...

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