The Missing Piece in Youth Sports: Turning Parents into Allies with Ilya Podolskiy

That stigma around parents in youth sports? It's an unfortunate part of the culture, but Coach Ilya Podolskiy is taking a different approach and bringing families into the process.

In this episode, you'll hear how he turns parents into allies and creates a culture where kids build resilience while still having fun. Our conversation highlights how important families are to an athlete's development, the impact sports and mentorship can have in a child's life, and what makes a truly great coach.

Topics discussed:

Introduction (00:00)

Why progress is a constant driver in Ilya's life (01:40)

Overcoming childhood bullying through martial arts (05:34)

How he discovered hockey and became a coach (08:57)

The importance of being a mentor, not just a coach (14:36)

How he juggles full-time work, coaching, and family life (19:59)

The Podolskiy Method: why parents need to be involved in youth sports (23:48)

Two things that keep families and kids coming back to the game (26:29)

Giving back through Hockey Helps 24-Hour Marathon (28:10)

What brought you JOY today? (31:13)

Resources:

• Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/
• Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf
• Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung

Connect with Ilya Podolskiy:

• Sharp Skate NY Instagram: http://instagram.com/SharpSkateNY/
• Ilya's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilya.podolskiy.5
• Sharp Skate NY's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpskate
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepodolskiymethod-parenti9182
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilya-podolskiy-cpa-89b2b71a
• Website: https://thepodolskiymethod.squarespace.com/
• Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1759705

About Our Guest:

Ilya Podolskiy is a USA Hockey Level 5 Master Coach and Coach Developer, as well as the Lead Hockey Instructor for the New York Junior Rangers. With years of experience coaching travel youth hockey at multiple ages and levels, he has built a reputation for developing athletes and guiding families through the youth sports journey. He is also the creator and host of The Podolskiy Method Podcast, where he shares insights on parenting athletes and the role of education in sports. Beyond hockey, Ilya holds a black belt in Taekwondo, where he previously taught martial arts, blending discipline and character into his coaching approach. In addition, Ilya wrestled in high school and collegiate levels and continued to study various Martial art disciplines like Muay Thai, KickBoxing, and Karate, amongst others.

Professionally, he is a CPA and earned his Master's degree from Villanova School of Law, combining analytical precision with a passion for teaching and mentorship.

Currently, Ilya is seeking new keynote speaking opportunities to share his coaching philosophy, leadership lessons, and personal experiences with broader audiences.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com