SPKN’s Six Pillars of Sports Leadership
Well-Being
& Performance
Communication & Team Culture
Skill & Coach Development
Nutrition
& PEDs
Sport Science
& Technology
Welcome to SPKN Sport Knowledge Center
Your central hub for verified sport knowledge.
As a nonprofit, SPKN provides sport leaders with knowledge and tools necessary to fully develop today’s athletes—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Stay up to date on the latest sport science and coaching methods designed to enhance your skills and make a confident impact on your athletes’ performance, well-being, and health.
From recent interviews to new research, stay up on the latest from the world of sport. As the hub of sport knowledge and practice, we make sure you have the resources to push sport forward.
New Releases
All our research is curated and peer-reviewed giving you access to an unmatched library of information all in one place.
Latest Research
Athlete Mental Health and Well-being During the Transition into Elite Sport: Strategies to Prepare the System
The transition into elite-level sport can expose young athletes to risk factors for mental ill-health, including increased performance expectations, stressors associated with becoming increasingly public figures, and changes in lifestyle demands, such as diet, training loads and sleep. Successful integration into elite-level sport requires athletes to quickly adapt to these newfound challenges and the norms…
Enhancing Youth Leadership Through Sport and Physical Education
This article explores the role of sport leaders in promoting youth leadership and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and support in the development of young athletes.
Mental fortitude training: An evidence-based approach to developing psychological resilience for sustained success.
Drawing on the body of knowledge in this area, this article presents an evidence-based approach to developing psychological resilience for sustained success. To this end, the narrative is divided into three main sections. The first section describes the construct of psychological resilience and explains what it is. The second section outlines and discusses a mental…
Explore all SPKN’s original series. We cover everything from socio-cultural issues to gripping coach stories. Communication and Team Culture, Sport Psychology, Social Issues & Ethics, Sort Science & Tech, and more…Enjoy all our incredibly informative interviews. These series provide a framework for building the next generation of sport practice while inspiring a better future in sport through knowledge.
Original Series
All our research is curated and peer-reviewed giving you access to an unmatched library of information all in one place.
Latest Articles
The Evolution of Coaches: Prioritizing Winning Over Development
The increased emphasis on success and competitive achievement in youth sports has changed how athletes approach their training and goals and reshaped the role and standards of coaching. Traditionally, coaches were viewed as mentors and educators tasked with nurturing young athletes, fostering personal growth, and teaching valuable life skills. However, as the focus has shifted…
Inexperienced Coaching: Effects on Young Athletes
Inexperienced coaching in youth sports can have significant, long-lasting effects on young athletes. These consequences extend beyond athletic performance, influencing personal development, mental health, and readiness for real-world challenges. Understanding the ripple effects of underqualified coaching underscores the need for improved training and support to ensure youth sports fulfill their role in fostering positive growth.…
The Shift in Youth Sports: From Development to Specialization
The Evolution of Youth Sports Over time, youth and non-entertainment sports have undergone a significant transformation. Originally designed to promote holistic development, build character, and teach life skills, these programs are increasingly focused on competitive success and career pathways. Today, many participants and their families view youth sports as a means to secure scholarships or…
More Than a Game: The Transformative Power of Sports
Youth and non-entertainment sports have a rich history rooted in the desire to provide structured environments where children and adolescents can channel their energy, build character, and develop essential life skills. Throughout history, these activities have been instrumental in shaping character, encouraging collaboration, and encouraging perseverance in young participants. Character Building One of the core…
Social Issues
& Ethics