Ed McLaughlin, the Athletic Director at Virginia Commonwealth who has been involved in college athletics for two decades, offers advice for youth players and their parents, including:”By the age of U11, my children had to be the ones to have conversations with their coaches about playing time or skill progression.” McLaughlin details the reasoning behind his Top 5 tips: BeCoachable; Be comfortable with being uncomfortable; Be an excellent teammate and leader; Be positive; Be mentally tough.