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.
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.
