The Simple Technique That Builds Better Social Skills in Young Athletes and Boosts Team Camaraderie with James McLamb

Most parents and coaches are missing the mark when it comes to inspiring hope and leadership in today’s youth.

In this episode of The Beyond the Scoreboard Podcast, Coach Justine Furtado and James McLamb, founder of Generation Youth, reveals how a simple shift in mindset can transform the way we develop the next generation of leaders—starting with understanding the real meaning behind being a "coach" and how influence, not control, truly guides young people.

His insights are a wake-up call for anyone working with or caring about youth success in a hyper-digital world.

James McLamb is a Ziegler Legacy Certified Trainer, John Maxwell team member, and author of Tomorrow’s Youth. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in equipping adults with the tools to ignite hope, leadership, and social skills in young people, guiding them to fulfill their dreams and find their purpose. In this episode, James shares a powerful framework inspired by the Bible—hope isn't lost, it's just delayed. You’ll discover why today’s teens are a hope-deferred generation and how you can help bridge the gap between their current reality and their dreams.

They break down the dangers social media poses to youth identity, relationships, and purpose—and how parents and mentors can foster healthier, more authentic connections. They also explore the psychological shift coaches need to truly connect, inspiring ownership rather than obedience—giving young athletes the influence to lead themselves and others.

They discuss how to instill leadership, build trust, and influence through influence, not authority, transforming teams into family-like environments rooted in relationship rather than results. Plus, James emphasizes the importance of patience and consistency in planting seeds of character, with real-world examples that demonstrate how small actions create lifelong bonds.

Why does this matter?

Ignoring these risks a generation disconnected from their purpose, their community, and their potential. With the right tools, you can turn everyday interactions into moments of growth and influence, helping young people discover who they are and what they’re meant to do. Whether you're a parent, coach, or youth advocate, this episode offers actionable insights to lead with heart in a digital age—and to truly shape the future.

In this episode:

- The concept of a "Hope Deferred Generation" and how to restore hope among youth

- The influence of social media on youth identity, relationships, and purpose

- Effective coaching strategies focused on influence, ownership, and relationship-building

- Activities to develop social skills and genuine connection among young athletes

- How parents can rebuild trust and strengthen relationships outside of sports

👉 Ready to make sports fun again?

==========================================

CONNECT WITH US:

James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mclamb-74a72746/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.mclamb1/

Website: https://www.generation-youth.com/

Pod: https://www.generation-youth.com/podcast

Coach Furtado IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en

Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_scoreboard_pod/

BTG Basketball IG: https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/

Newsletter: https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe

Website: https://btgbasketball.org/

Beyond the Scoreboard is the podcast for coaches and parents who know winning isn't the whole point. Hosted by Coach Justin Furtado of BTG Basketball, each episode digs into the leadership, mindset, and culture that shape young athletes into people, not just players. Because the most important things happening in youth sports never show up on the scoreboard.

#youthsports #basketball #sports #sportspodcast #aau