Research-rooted, whole-athlete development.

Build the athlete.
Performance will follow.

Practical guidance for raising healthier, more resilient young athletes, and a development-first program for the clubs that train them.

FOR FAMILIES

Support your young athlete

One-page guides on fueling, sleep, strength and goals, plus Parent Playbook talks for your team, school or parent group.

Explore family guides →

FOR COACHES

Run a great practice tomorrow

Build a practice in seconds, grab the coach guide for your age group and print one-page tools for the field.

Go to coach resources →

FOR CLUBS

Develop athletes before they compete

A development-first program your club runs and owns, for athletes ages 6 to 12. Start with an 8-week pilot or one focused module.

Explore a club partnership →

A young pitcher mid-stride on the mound during a youth baseball game

One whole athlete

Five pillars of development

Everything here, from a protein guide to a club pilot, is built on the same five pillars.

Physical

Physical Development & Body Health

Movement, strength, speed, nutrition and body health.

Skill

Fundamental Sport Skills

Sport fundamentals and technique, taught right first.

Game IQ

Tactical Awareness + Decision Making

Positions, game situations and game knowledge.

Mind

Mental + Emotional Development

Confidence, handling mistakes, resilience and competing.

Character

Character + Team Development

Leadership, communication and accountability.

Read the Development Culture™ manifesto →

Start here

Three guides every family can use today

Easy protein math: Body weight divided by 2 — PhysicalEasy protein mathBody weight ÷ 2Use it when you're wondering if your athlete gets enough protein.

Sleep is part of training: How much young athletes need — PhysicalSleep is part of trainingHow much young athletes need, and how to protect itUse it when the schedule starts eating into bedtime.

Goals by age: What a good goal looks like at each stage — MindGoals by ageWhat a good goal looks like at each stageUse it at the start of a season, so goals are theirs, not set for them.

See all family guides → Coaching a team? Go to coach resources →

General guidance for young athletes, not an individual plan.

Where does your club stand?

Rate your program on all five pillars in about 6 to 8 minutes, then see where you're already strong.

Take the self-assessment → Download the printable

Hi, I'm Carrie.

Former NCAA softball player, youth coach and mom of two athletes. I built Rooted Academy because youth sports keep asking kids to compete before they're taught.

Here I share the research, guides and guardrails I wish every family and club had.

Read my story →

Build the athlete.Performance will follow.