Positive Coaching Alliance-Los Angeles, with the LA Galaxy and Children Hospital-Los Angeles, hosted a dynamic panel discussion Saturday about the health and well being of youth athletes. The American Express Stadium Club at StubHub Center provided a beautiful backdrop for this breakfast event and discussion. The audience of youth and high school coaches, health professionals and physical therapists came from all over Southern California to participate.

Galaxy Legendary Goal Keeper Kevin Hartman delivered a key note speech about his career path and mental challenges he faced as a premier MLS Goalie. Fox Sports Soccer Analyst and former US Women’s National Team player Leslie Osborn led the panel discussion that included Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Dr. Bianca Edison, Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Curtis VandenBerg, USC Director of Nutrition Becci Twombley, Neuropsychologist Kenneth Hartline, soccer coach Carrie Taylor, Sports Psychology Coach Dr. Lee Hancock and Physical Therapist Chris Butler.

Topics covered included the decline of sports participation because of the pressure put on young athletes and sports specialization causing overuse injuries such as Tommy John surgery and the rise of knee, shoulder and elbow surgeries. The audience discussion involved proper training and biometrics, healthy eating for performance and recovery and emotional and phycological techniques to keep youth athletes healthy and happy, playing sports longer so the can reap the benefits and life lessons sports teaches.

Video (and editing) created by Industrious Films: https://www.youtube.com/user/industfilms