New Canaan CARES and School PTCs Team Up to Address Youth Sports Pressure

New Canaan CARES, in partnership with the East, South, and West Elementary School PTCs, will host a parent education program focused on the growing pressure surrounding youth sports and early specialization. The event, titled Developing Athletes for the Long Game: Balancing Performance, Health, and Well-being in Youth Sports, will take place on Friday, February 6 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Jim and Dede Bartlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library. A snow date is scheduled for February 9 at the same time and location.

Designed for elementary school parents and caregivers from both public and private schools, the program responds to community feedback highlighting confusion, anxiety, and stress around decisions related to youth sports participation. The discussion will explore how sports have changed over the past several decades, the impact of pressure and burnout on children and families, and how to support healthy physical and emotional development while helping children discover their interests.

The panel will feature New Canaan High School Football Coach Lou Marinelli, a legendary figure in the community with nearly 50 years of coaching experience, along with clinical psychologist Dr. Suzanne Allen of The Parenting Pair and physical therapist Dr. Becky Nardi at Wellness Insights & Concierge Physical Therapy.

Together, the panelists will offer perspectives on sports specialization, injury prevention, mental health, rest and recovery, unstructured play, and the realities of college recruitment. The format will include a moderated discussion followed by time for audience questions.
“Parents are feeling increasing pressure to make decisions earlier than ever before, often without clear or reliable guidance,” said Maureen Asiel, CARES Education and Program Manager. “This program is about helping families step back, reduce anxiety, and focus on choices that support their children’s long-term health, confidence, and love of movement rather than short-term outcomes.”
More information and registration details are available at www.newcanaancares.org

Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: New Canaan Library
Snow Date: Monday, February 9 at 9:30 a.m.
Registration Link: https://newcanaancares.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/newcanaancares/eventRegistration.jsp?event=1617&
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About New Canaan CARES
New Canaan CARES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and building community through responsive programming, education, and prevention initiatives.

New Canaan CARES Media Contact:
Jen Russey, Marketing & Communications Manager
New Canaan CARES
Email: jrussey@newcanaancares.org