#031 Off the Pitch with Active: Interview with Richard Shorter, founder of Non-Perfect Dad

The sports world is a high-pressure environment, Richard’s skills
and experience mean he is able to probe the tough issues and
challenges parents and coaches face, without being judge mental
or pushy.


He delivered parent engagement strategy support, sports-parent
meetings and coaches CPD on working with parents for:


Three National Governing Bodies; (England Rugby U18 Boys
& Girls, England Hockey U16 & U18 Boys and Girls and
England Cricket Board)

A number of the UK’s top professional sports teams in their
academy system (Including Saracens, Essex County Cricket,
Newcastle Falcons & Somerset County Cricket.)

The country's top independent schools, (Including Millfield
and Millfield Prep & Trinity Croydon.)



20 years of working with parent's which, includes:


Worked as a youth worker for the local authority

Delivered numerous parenting courses for the local authority

Provided one-to-one parenting support for multiple statutory
agencies

Lectured at several universities, teaching trainee social
work students about effective strategies for working with
families

Worked in various roles for two churches

Coached and encouraged people from a wide range of
backgrounds, faiths and life experiences

Worked with and spoken at many schools across all ages

Public speaking in many contexts (from skate-parks to
funerals and everything in-between.)



Qualifications


Honours degree in Community and Youth Studies (St Martins,
Lancaster)

Honours degree in Theology (University of Wales)

Diploma in Life Coaching from A R Training

Facilitator for ‘Strengthening families, strengthening
communities’ parenting program

Facilitator for ‘Strengthening families’ 10-14 parenting
course



Overview:


03:15   Richard Shorter’s Bio


05:20   Richard talks about his background


09:00   Home to be the harbor for children and openness
and honesty is important part of communication at home.


16:15   We discuss when children get identified more
for their sport rather than them as human.


24:10   Coaches need compassion and better parent
engagements, and if they coach their own children allow their
children to give feedback without being defensive.


30:10   How can parents support their children during
the selection time?


40:45   How can play games with parents, help parents
related to their children’s sporting world?


48:15   Non-perfect Dad’s vision of the perfect youth
sport environment.


Contact:


Web: https://non-perfectdad.co.uk/


Twitter: @nonperfectdad


Facebook: @Non-perfect dad