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🏆 Win Kids First
Greg Berge
June 01, 2025
👋 Good morning! Welcome to a Sunday BONUS edition of Great Teams Better Leaders!
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💭 ONE THOUGHT
Win Kids First
“You don’t coach a sport, you coach people. And for kids, it starts with their hearts.”
Coaching is more than drills, plays, and game plans. It’s a calling.
It’s about building people first, helping young athletes grow into confident, resilient, accountable human beings.
The best coaches know this: if you want to build a winning team, you have to win your kids first.
That doesn’t mean going soft or lowering your standards.
It means leading with empathy, purpose, and consistency.
Because when a kid feels seen, supported, and challenged, they’ll run through a wall for you.
Here are 3 ways to win your kids first:
1. Make Every Player Feel Seen - Every kid matters. Every moment counts.
✅ Learn what you can about them.
✅ Ask about their lives.
✅ Show them they’re more than just a jersey.
Coach’s Tip: Keep a notes list on your phone - birthdays, hobbies, little things they mention. Bring them up later. That’s how trust is built.
2. Lead With Consistency - They’ll watch you more than they’ll listen to you.
✅ Be steady in the storm.
✅ Hold everyone, including yourself, accountable.
✅ Let your standards speak louder than your speeches.
Coach’s Tip: After every practice or game, ask: Did I model what I expect? If not, own it.
3. Celebrate the Person, Not Just the Player - Your impact goes far beyond wins and stats.
✅ Praise character over performance.
✅ Catch them doing things right.
✅ Remind them they’re valuable even on tough days.
Coach’s Tip: Shift your language. Instead of “You need to work harder,” try “We’re going to raise our standard together.”
Winning kids first takes time, intention, and heart.
But when you get their hearts, you get their effort, loyalty, and full potential.
Win kids first… and everything else follows.
What’s one thing you can do this week to make every player feel seen?
Winning kids first takes more than just intention; it takes consistency.
And that’s where most coaches get stuck: not knowing what matters, but keeping track of whether it’s happening.
That’s why I am so excited about Momentum - a simple way to track one meaningful weekly activity that builds motivation, connection, and buy-in with your team.
Made by my friend, Matt Minkus. Check it out below.
⚡️ Get a 90-day free trial (no credit card needed).
🎁 Book your free onboarding call and get a $20 Dick’s gift card, just for showing up.
Win the moments that matter most.
Good Luck!
Greg
TOGETHER WITH THE CULTURE WINS OS
Great teams don’t happen by accident.
They’re built with intention, clarity, and daily commitment.
That’s why I created the Culture Wins OS. ✅ 8 Core Modules |  |
It launches soon, and those on the waitlist get 25% off and early access.
Join the Waitlist Today!
And take the first step toward the culture your team deserves:
📜 GREAT QUOTES
“Don't give up. Don't ever give up.”
“Our emphasis is on execution, not winning.”
𝐗 POSTS FROM OTHERS
Curt Cignetti knows how to build a program from the ground up.
He told me what he looks for recruits/ transfer portal players ⬇️⬇️
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81)
12:41 AM • Nov 5, 2024
As a young athlete, focus more on long-term development than short-term winning. If you take the time to master the fundamentals of your technique, fitness, and mental game, you’ll eventually surpass your competition and reach your full potential!
— Sports Psychology (@SportPsychTips)
2:01 PM • Apr 18, 2025
How quickly do you move from making a mistake to making the correction?
— Brian Kight (@TBrianKight)
11:17 AM • Apr 17, 2025
🔗 LINKS FOR LEADERS
🎥 Video: The Winner Effect [LINK]
🆇 ICYMI: 6 Rules for a Sports Parent [LINK]
📰 Article: The Mudita Meter - A free download
📚 LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
The Team Leader OS: The Team Leader OS is a simple, powerful leadership system for coaches who want to build real leaders. It’s packed with short videos, ready-to-use tools, and practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're starting a leadership program or looking to strengthen your team culture, this gives you a clear path forward without adding to your workload. |  |
Better Coach OS: Better Coach OS is a practical masterclass for coaches who want to grow beyond the X’s and O’s. It covers everything from leadership and communication to culture, motivation, and handling tough situations—delivered in short, actionable lessons. Whether you're a new coach or a veteran, it's built to help you lead with confidence and clarity. |  |
👀 LOOKING FOR MORE?
Interested in Sponsoring an Issue? Reply to this email or click here: Sponsor Great Team Better Leaders.
Are you seeking a Culture or Leadership workshop for your team or school? Contact Greg for more information.
Check out my website for more: www.gb1leadership.com
Need resources? www.gberge.gumroad.com
Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]
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