Built to Last: Keeping Young Athletes Healthy

Built to Last: Keeping Young Athletes Healthy with Dr. Brian Gould

There’s a lot of noise in youth sports right now. Train more. Play through it. Don’t fall behind.

But what if the real edge isn’t doing more - it’s doing things the right way?

In this episode, Ian Fitzpatrick sits down with Dr. Brian Gould, sports medicine physician, parent, former youth coach, and trusted medical partner of Mendocino County Sports Academy, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to keep young athletes healthy, resilient, and connected to the game for the long haul.

Dr. Gould has seen youth sports from every angle - the exam room, the sidelines, and the stands. He’s treated countless MCSA athletes coached in MCSA's Developmental Soccer League, and works daily with athletes navigating injury, recovery, and the pressure to keep going at all costs.

Together, they explore:

• Why sleep, recovery, and training load matter more than most people realize

• The warning signs parents and coaches should never ignore

• How overuse injuries really happen—and how many are preventable

• The mental and emotional toll injuries take on young athletes

• Why early sport specialization increases burnout and breakdown

• What “being tough” actually means when development is done right

• How listening to your body builds resilience instead of fear

• And how a player-first environment helps kids stay healthy and stay in love with sport

This isn’t a conversation about shortcuts, quick fixes, or chasing the next edge.

It’s about care, honesty, and playing the long game - so kids don’t just perform better now, but carry sport with them for life.

If you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or anyone who believes youth sports should build people, not break them, this episode is for you.

The line ends here.
But the work and the growth continue.