10/07/25: Jeff Francoeur Joins the Show, Mendoza Brothers' Indiana Resurgence, Lighthearted Tennis Coaching

👏 Jeff Francoeur on the Inspiration, Driving Forces in Youth Sports

Helping More Kids Love the Game

In high school, Jeff Francoeur had committed to play football at Clemson, but he was ultimately drafted by the Atlanta Braves. Interestingly, his dad didn’t reveal that he thought Jeff had a real shot at the major leagues until he was entering his senior year. Looking back, Francoeur sees that moment as a reminder to focus on the process rather than the outcome and to let kids grow at their own pace. His journey shows how a foundation in multiple sports can prepare young athletes for any opportunity.

These days, Francoeur serves as a broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves and TBS, and as a podcast host for Pure Athlete, a platform dedicated to helping young athletes, parents and coaches navigate youth sports and become the best version of themselves in sports and in life.

Francoeur recently joined Greg Olsen on the Youth Inc. podcast for a conversation about his journey through sports, balance and how to help kids love the game. 

Watch the full episode here and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.

💡Two Mendoza brothers Playing QB for No. 8 Indiana

Brothers in the same Uniform

Indiana football is off to a dream start in 2025 — 5–0 and ranked No. 8 with a huge game looming at Oregon. At the center of it all are two brothers leading the same position. Fernando and Alberto Mendoza, quarterbacks from Miami, have both appeared in games this season. Fernando, the starter, has been nearly flawless: 16 touchdowns, one interception, and a 73% completion rate through five games. Alberto, a redshirt freshman, has already tossed three touchdowns in relief, making them the first brothers in a decade to throw TDs for the same FBS team in the same season.

Playing on the same team has made this season feel different not just for the brothers, but for their parents too. Their mom, who battles multiple sclerosis, is often in the stands with their dad beside her. For them, seeing both boys in the same uniform has been a gift. After touchdowns, the brothers often point toward her — a gesture of love and tribute. As Fernando told the Big Ten Network after the Kennesaw State game, “It filled our parents’ hearts with joy” when both brothers threw touchdown passes.

🤣 Conor Casey Serves Up an Ace

We’ve all been there trying to get one of our kids to focus on an activity and they don’t want to be there. In this humorous clip, tennis coach Conor Casey is on the court with his son, offering five ways to guarantee burnout:
•    Overtrain
•    Compare 
•    Isolate
•    Micromanage 
•    Suffocate

Casey’s tongue-and-cheek approach hits home. As they say, there’s truth in comedy. 

Check back on our Instagram for more collaborations with Casey.

Meet Two of our Youth Inc. Ambassadors

Phoebe Schecter

Phoebe Schecter a is British-American NFL analyst for Sky Sports, a former football star as a player and a former coach for the Buffalo Bills. She is Youth Inc.’s flag football ambassador.

Born with dual citizenship to an American father and English mother, Phoebe moved to England in 2012 at the age of 22. An accomplished equestrian, she became one of the first members of the Great Britain women’s national American football team and later became its captain.

Read more about Phoebe here

Matt Hogan

Matt Hogan, founder of HoganLax, has significantly contributed to the sport's growth and was honored with the Sports Legends award for his impact. As a coach, Hogan was the head lacrosse coach at the University of Pennsylvania.

Read more about Coach Hogan here

Ask The Experts: What to Say To Your Kid Before A Game or Practice

Helping Athletes Prepare for Big Moments

Team building coach and award-winning author Lee Elias has spent the last 20 years studying the intricacies of team and player dynamics. 

Parents often struggle with what to say to their kid before a big game or even a practice. Elias offers three simple but important things to say.

1.    I love you no matter what happens.
2.    I love watching you play. 
3.    Work hard and have fun.

Check out the full segment as well as many others from all corners of youth sports here.

YOUTH INC. RECOMMENDS

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The Latest Mic’d Up With Coaches Olsen, Stewart and Kuechly

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The Parent Playbook with Kirsten Jones 

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WE'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

2

Number of preseason Top 3 college football teams to fall out of the Top 25 after Penn State and Texas lost on Saturday.