Andrew Jacobs - Just Let Em Play

Im excited to see Dr. Jacobs author a book like this. I have been a long time reader and fan of his newsletters on winnersunlimited.com and frequently talk about their content with board members of the soccer program I am in charge of. With nearly 1,000 kids playing each fall, I have seen and heard parents lose their minds on the sidelines. Every one of them would benefit from reading a book like this. When it comes to youth sports, parents need to redefine winning and provide their kids with an environment where playing is fun again. Dr. Jacobs knows how to get that point across.

Hershey Weisman
Regional Commissioner
AYSO Region 33 - Encino, CA

Just Let Em Play is essential reading for anyone interested in teaching developing minds the keys to success in life through sport. The authors show us that sport is a powerful vehicle in teaching the young about good work ethic, quality decision-making, and how we choose our attitudes. Learning how to just let em play will allow you to shift paradigms to positive vocabulary and goal setting, which are imperative to observing the phenomenon of success. You will watch children blossom and become great in whatever they choose. Just Let Em Play will be a well-used reference as I raise my own children.

Catherine Fox
Two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist

I had the privilege to have worked with Dr. Andrew Jacobs during my coaching tenure with the Kansas City Royals. He has the experience to have written this outstanding book for coaches and parents. It is a tremendous guide for parents, coaches, and athletes, and will give them a broader look into all aspects of sport. Ive spent 39 years in professional baseball, 13 of them at the Major League level. I was fortunate to have coached the 2001 World Series champion Arizona Diamondbacks. To the readers, I really believe you will enjoy reading this book, get a good perspective about sport and understand that it is so important to focus on having fun.

Eddie Rodriguez
Roving Infield Coordinator
San Diego Padres

Having been a soccer coach for 40 years, I have witnessed the ups and downs from athletes, coaches, officials, and fans. As I have seen the progress and growth in popularity and participation in soccer in this country, one of my concerns has been the pressure thats placed on younger players to get involved and to play at an advanced level at younger and younger ages. Organized leagues are getting formed at younger ages and the pressure to specialize in one sport is becoming more demanding on athletes and parents.

I have known and worked with Dr. Andrew Jacobs since the mid-1980s. The advice and knowledge he and his co-authors provide in Just Let Em Play should be a requirement for all parents who are enrolling their children in youth leagues in any sport and should be a part of the continuing education process for coaches and officials. This book will help youth sports continue to be an enjoyable and learning experience for all involved.

Rick Benben
Head Coach, University of Missouri-Kansas City Mens Soccer

As a 3 time Major League All-Star pitcher and youth sport coach, and the father of two pro ball-players (with one becoming an All-Star this year) I have seen the good and bad in sports. Over the past 20 years youth sports has changed and become more challenging and demanding on younger and younger athletes. The pressures of having to win and being ridiculed when you lose have replaced the real purpose of youth sports, to have fun. Having been a teammate of Jeff Montgomery and worked with Dr. Andrew Jacobs, I know they understand what sports are really about. Just Let Em Play will help guide you through the right decisions to make and let your kids have fun and learn how to succeed. This book should be required reading for all youth sport parents, coaches and officials.

Tom Flash Gordon
20 year Major League Pitcher
3 time Major League All-Star
1998 American League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year

Coach Pete Malone and Dr. Andrew Jacobs established a nationally recognized program in Kansas City that has shaped the lives of numerous athletes. Through their leadership and guidance, countless swimmers have achieved success at the highest levels. Just Let Em Play will provide an opportunity for athletes, parents, and coaches to learn the importance of having fun while chasing your dreams. Shannon is proof: With support and dedication, dreams can come true.

Connie & Dan Vreeland
Parents of Shannon Vreeland former Blazer swimmer and Olympic gold medalist

When people talk about swimming in the greater Kansas City area, theyre talking about Pete Malone. What he has accomplished at the KC Blazers and how he groomed athletes from this team was amazing and was no accident. When I started swimming for Pete, he was already a nationally renowned coach, having produced Olympic medalists. Then there was Dr. Andrew Jacobs, with whom I worked at two peak times throughout my swimming career. Dr. Jacobs helped me to keep it simple, prepare a race plan, and keep me focused on my personal goals.

Max Jaben
Israeli Olympic athlete
Owner, Swim Fit LA

Dr. Andrew Jacobs, Jeff Montgomery, Peter Malone, and Matt Fulks could not have been more timely in writing Just Let Em Play. As a parent, middle and high school coach, and former national and collegiate elite athlete, I have a vast perspective of youth sports and elite athletics in America. This book is a tremendous resource for guidance, information, and advice for every coach, athlete, and parent, regardless of the sport or level of achievement. Every parent just wants their kid to be happy (if not also a famous all-star). I believe sports are essential to personal development and success, which are keys to true happiness and strong character. Character is a buzz word in education today, but sports doesnt try to artificially manufacture character if you Just Let Em Play (and dont give every kid a trophy just for showing up!).

Debbie Risen Hurwitz
U.S. National Swimming Champion
NCAA Swimming Champion
University of Texas Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee

Dr. Andrew Jacobs Jeff Montgomery Peter D. Malone

with Matt Fulks
Foreword by Shannon Vreeland, Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer

Copyright 2015 by Dr. Andrew Jacobs, Jeff Montgomery, and Peter D. Malone

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