Episode 64: Michael Lippert (Former soccer coach, current realist)
🎙 In this episode: Michael Lippert brings the unfiltered voice of truth to Youth $ports. Known for saying the hard things most people avoid, Lippert challenges long-held assumptions about pay-to-play, professional coaches, and the upside-down pyramid of youth sports. His central thesis? “Everything in youth sports today is better than it used to be… except the players.”
🔹 The Core Truth
Despite more money, resources, and opportunities, players aren’t necessarily improving.
🔹 The Pay-to-Play Distraction
Lippert argues the real problem isn’t pay-to-play…it’s parents avoiding accountability.
🔹 Parents Have No Excuse
With today’s access to information, parents can’t claim ignorance about the youth sports landscape.
🔹 Coaches for a Living vs. Coaches in the Community
Are full-time “professional” coaches better—or are they incentivized to keep parents happy at all costs?
🔹 The Exodus of Good Coaches
Community-rooted coaches are leaving, replaced by those chasing club paychecks and multiple teams.
🔹 The 10,000-Hour Trap
Malcolm Gladwell’s concept gave parents permission to overtrain kids with “no days off” pressure.
🔹 Cult-Like Club Culture
Lippert likens clubs to cults: everyone doing the same thing, no one asking hard questions.
🔹 The Upside-Down Pyramid
Youth sports should have the widest base in recreational play, but instead the elite tier has ballooned.
🔹 Talent Always Finds a Way
If a kid is truly exceptional, politics won’t stop them from being noticed. It’s not rocket science…It’s obvious on the field.
🔹 Fun, Health, and Longevity
Too often, if kids aren’t “college-track,” parents push them out instead of letting them simply enjoy sports.
🔹 The Productive Contrarian
Lippert positions himself as the realistic voice among past guests. “I love you Ally, but there’s been some insane people who have come on your podcast…”
