The LollyPop Agency

Silent Sidelines

2026-02-27T00:00:00Z

Protect the Athlete

At The Lollypop Agency, we hold at our core that youth sport should be about growth, joy, resilience and connection. Not pressure, confusion and mixed messages. When parents, coaches, and supporters all play their part, we create an environment where kids thrive on their own terms. Read our previous article on Youth Sport Is A Triangle

That’s why initiatives like Silent Sidelines are so powerful and why they’re catching on internationally. The idea is simple yet transformative:

Let the players play.
Encourage with claps and positivity.
Minimise sideline coaching during play so kids can think, decide, communicate and enjoy the game.

Specifically

✔️ No shouting instructions

✔️ No conflicting coaching from the fence

✔️ No pressure on split-second decisions

✔️ Applause and encouragement for effort and good play only

When we step back and let athletes lead their own experience, we promote confidence, focus, leadership and fun. This is exactly what every child deserves from sport. This isn’t silence for silence’s sake. This is respecting, protecting focus, and true support.

And just like The Coach, The Athlete, and The Parent reminds us: every young athlete needs a triangle of support.

🏃 The Coach: provides challenge and structure

💓 The Parent: provides safety and love

🎯 The Athlete: brings effort, courage and joy

Balanced roles help build resilient humans, not just better players. When parents stop coaching from the sidelines, athletes can focus on learning, enjoyment and connection.

We’re loving that this generation is taking steps to make changes in the culture of youth sport; one quietly positive sideline at a time.

The Value Of A Competitors' Oath

2026-01-26T00:00:00Z

Inspired

While attending a regular interhouse primary school gala, I was inspired by the leadership who empowered their young leaders to open the event with an oath and prayer. It struck me that this is “normal” for a lot of primary schools, but as we mature into other competitions, we skip this practice and reserve it only for major championships. We cna do better, and so the rise of this competitors’ oath.

Lifesaving Competitor’s Oath

On behalf of all competitors,
we stand with gratitude:

for the opportunity to compete,
for the training that prepares us,
and for the chance to serve through sport.

We recognise that lifesaving is more than competition:

it is a commitment to vigilance, courage, and care for others.

We promise to compete with integrity,
to respect the rules, the officials, and our fellow athletes,
and to uphold the values of fairness and sportsmanship.

We will strive for excellence with humility,
support one another in the true spirit of lifesaving,
and honour the responsibility that comes with wearing our colours.

In this championship,
we give our best:

for our teams, for our sport, and for the safety of all.

Read by Kendra du Toit at the start of the Western Cape Pool Rescue Championships.

Competing With, Not Just Against

2025-05-24T00:00:00Z

Competing With, Not Just Against

At The Lollypop Agency, we spend a lot of time around scoreboards.

Times. Rankings. Finals. Heats. Lanes.

And yet, the most important lesson competition teaches young athletes has very little to do with winning.

It’s this:

The best competitors don’t compete against each other.

They compete with each other.

The Shift That Changes Everything

When teenagers see opponents as enemies, performance becomes personal.
When they see opponents as partners in excellence, performance becomes purposeful.

Competing against says:

I need you to fail so I can win.
Your success threatens mine.
There’s only space for one of us.

Competing with says:

You bring out my best.
Your standard sharpens mine.
We rise together.

That subtle mindset shift builds stronger athletes, amazing squads and better humans.

Why Healthy Rivalries Matter

Teenagers are wired for comparison. It’s developmental and 100% normal.

So the goal isn’t to eliminate rivalry, it’s to shape it.

Healthy rivalries:

Create motivation without resentment
Fuel intensity without hostility
Encourage excellence without eroding character

When athletes learn to celebrate great performances, even when it’s not their own, they build emotional maturity. They learn that someone else’s brilliance doesn’t diminish their potential.

Again: someone else’s brilliance doesn’t diminish their potential

And that lesson lasts far beyond sport.

The Culture We Want

In every gala, meet, and championship environment we support, the standard is simple:

Respect the lane next to you.
Thank the competitor who pushed you.
Celebrate courage, not just the podiums.

Because iron sharpens iron.
And teenagers who learn to compete with their rivals grow into adults who collaborate, lead, and elevate others.

And that is ultimately the real win.

Strong competition. Strong character. Strong community.

The Coach, The Athlete, and The Parent

2025-03-14T00:00:00Z

Youth Sport Is A Triangle

At The Lollypop Agency, we get to spend a lot of time in the spaces where sport, family, and performance intersect. From school galas, weekend sport festivals, squad sessions, and sideline conversations.

And one truth keeps resurfacing:

Youth sport is a triangle.
The Coach.
The Athlete.
The Parent.

When that triangle is balanced, kids absolutely fly.
When it’s shaky, the athlete is the one who feels every wobble.

The Triangle That Builds Champions (and Humans)

At this time of year, as summer sport season reaches it’s peak, we’ve had a lot fo fresh conversations on this topic. The offline engagement is very strong because youth sport is emotional. And it should be. It matters.

But instead of joining the growing chorus of “parents don’t know how to youth sport” let’s reset the lens a little.

Most parents care deeply. They want to help.

Most coaches care deeply. They want to develop.

And every athlete just wants to play, grow, and feel seen.

So what actually works?

The R1,000,000 Punchline

If you want your child to thrive in sport, here’s the simple (and very hard) formula:

The Coach

Provides:

Technical challenge
Structure
Honest, sometimes tough feedback
A push beyond comfort zones

The coach grows capacity.

The Athlete

Provides:

Effort
Emotion
Courage
The bravery to fail

The athlete grows through experience.

The Parent

Provides:

Safety
Stability
Emotional regulation
Unconditional: “I love watching you play.”

The parent protects the love of the game.

That’s it.

Where this triangle holds, we consistently see young athletes who:

Improve steadily
Love their sport
Build resilience
Stay involved for life

Mission accomplished.

Where It Breaks Down

Simply put, the cracks start when roles blur.

When a parent begins giving tactical instructions from the fence, something subtle but very powerful happens:

The child must choose which adult to “obey”

That cognitive and emotional split:

Steals focus
Increases anxiety
Reduces autonomy
Dampens joy

But the irony is that it almost always comes from good intentions.

Parents want to help. They think they’re helping. But sideline coaching rarely lands the way they hope.

The Golden Rule

Real support isn’t coaching from the fence.
Real support is being the safest place in the world to land when the game gets hard.

Let them:

Play freely
Make mistakes
Wrestle with feedback
Build resilience

Let coaches coach and be the best fan in the world. That’s it.

Why This Matters to Us

At The Lollypop Agency, we operate in environments where youth athletes are learning to perform under pressure, all the while navigating their puberty along with all the school and social stresses that come with teenage-hood.

We see the difference immediately:

Balanced triangles create confident athletes.
Unbalanced ones create tension that shows up in performance and sublte behaviours.

Strong triangles don’t just produce results.
They produce happy champs; Kkids who associate sport with growth, belonging, and joy.

If You’re a New Youth Sport Parent…

When you became a parent, you didn’t get a manual but you sought guidance, right?

Well, youth sport parenting is no different.

If your goal is to raise a confident, resilient, sport-loving human:

Learn the role.
Protect the triangle.
Choose connection over correction.

Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing:
The best for our kids.

And sometimes, the best thing we can do is to simply love watching them play - and tell them that.

Strong triangles. Better sport. Happier kids.

Mindset Coaching for Young Athletes

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Finding Health, Fun, and Purpose in Sport

At The Lollypop Agency, we believe great athletes aren’t just built through physical training; they’re shaped by what happens in their minds and hearts. Our Mindset Coaching for Young Athletes is designed to help young sportspeople develop confidence, resilience, and a healthy relationship with training and competition.

This programme focuses on health, enjoyment, and purpose, supporting athletes to grow not only in performance, but as balanced, self-aware humans.

Why Mindset Matters in Youth Sport

Young athletes face increasing pressure: early specialisation, constant competition, performance expectations, and comparison. Without the right mental tools, sport can quickly shift from being a place of joy to a source of stress.

A strong mindset helps athletes:

Enjoy training and movement
Handle pressure and setbacks
Build confidence that extends beyond sport
Stay motivated for the right reasons
Perform consistently without burnout

Who This Coaching Is For

This service is ideal for young athletes (approximately ages 10–18) across all sports who want to:

Build confidence and self-belief
Improve focus and consistency
Learn how to manage nerves and pressure
Reconnect with why they love their sport
Develop healthy habits around training, rest, and recovery

It is also valuable for athletes who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their sport.

What We Focus On

🧠 Mental Skills Development

We teach practical, age-appropriate mental skills, including:

Confidence and self-talk
Focus and concentration
Emotional regulation
Resilience and coping with setbacks
Healthy goal-setting and motivation

🎯 Purpose-Driven Sport

We help athletes explore:

Their personal why
What success really means to them
How to balance ambition with enjoyment
How sport fits into a healthy, meaningful life

💬 Individualised Support

Every athlete is different. Coaching is tailored to:

The athlete’s sport and competitive environment
Their personality and developmental stage
Their goals, challenges, and aspirations

How the Coaching Works

Discovery Session
We begin by understanding the athlete’s current mindset, challenges, and goals.
Personalised Coaching Plan
A clear, supportive roadmap is created, combining mental skills with simple daily habits.
Ongoing Coaching Sessions
Regular sessions (in-person or online) to build skills, reflect, and adapt as the athlete grows.
Sustainable Growth
Athletes develop tools they can use long after the coaching ends — in sport, school, and life.

A Health-First Approach to Performance

We believe performance should never come at the cost of wellbeing. Our mindset coaching prioritises:

Long-term athletic development
Psychological safety
Joy in movement
Balanced ambition

When athletes feel safe, supported, and purposeful, performance becomes a natural outcome — not the sole focus.

Final Thoughts

Sport has the power to shape young people for life. With the right mindset, it becomes a place of growth, confidence, connection, and joy.

If you’d like to help your young athlete train the mind alongside the body, mindset coaching may be the missing piece.

Train the mind.
Protect the joy.
Support the athlete — not just the performance.

To learn more or book a discovery session, get in touch with The Lollypop Agency.

The Hidden Cost of Early Specialisation in Youth Sport

2024-09-14T00:00:00Z

Many young athletes don’t start out chasing trophies. They start because they love to move, to play, to belong. Somewhere along the way, however, sport can quietly change shape — becoming narrower, heavier, and more serious far earlier than it needs to.

Early specialisation — focusing on one sport at a young age, often year-round and at high intensity — is increasingly common. It is usually driven by good intentions: opportunity, ambition, fear of falling behind. But for many children, the long-term cost outweighs the short-term gains.

This is not an argument against commitment or excellence. It is a reminder that how we get there matters.

Why Early Specialisation Can Be Problematic

1. Growing Bodies Aren’t Built for Repetition

Children’s bodies are still developing. Repeating the same movements, stresses, and loads year after year can increase the risk of:

Overuse injuries
Chronic pain patterns
Movement limitations that persist into adulthood

Variety in movement isn’t a distraction — it’s protection.

2. Burnout Often Arrives Quietly

Burnout rarely looks like a sudden quitting moment. More often it shows up as:

Loss of enthusiasm for training
Emotional fatigue
Anxiety around performance
Playing not because they want to, but because they feel they must

When sport becomes a job too early, joy is usually the first thing lost.

3. Identity Becomes Too Narrow

When a child is known primarily as “the swimmer,” “the footballer,” or “the runner,” sport can become their entire identity. This creates risk:

A bad performance feels like a personal failure
Injury becomes emotionally devastating
Self-worth becomes tied to results

Healthy athletes are whole people first — athletes second.

4. Early Success Does Not Guarantee Long-Term Success

Many elite adult athletes did not specialise early. Instead, they:

Played multiple sports
Developed broad athletic skills
Learned adaptability, creativity, and resilience

Early performance advantages often disappear once peers catch up physically and emotionally.

What Parents Can Do Instead

Parents play a powerful role in shaping a child’s sporting experience — often without realising it. The goal isn’t to hold children back, but to support growth that lasts.

1. Prioritise Variety Over Volume

Encourage your child to try different sports and activities throughout the year. Different movements build stronger, more adaptable athletes and reduce injury risk.

2. Protect Joy as a Non-Negotiable

Regularly ask: “Are you still enjoying this?” Joy is not a bonus — it is a key indicator of long-term sustainability.

3. Zoom Out to the Long Game

Remind yourself (and your child) that development is measured in years, not seasons. Late bloomers are not behind — they’re often better prepared.

Final Thought

Sport should expand a child’s world, not shrink it. When we delay specialisation, we give young athletes the space to grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected to why they play.

The aim isn’t to produce champions at 12.
It’s to develop healthy, confident humans who still love sport at 22 — and beyond.

At The Lollypop Agency, we believe in development that protects both performance and the person.

parkrun Training Program

2024-07-20T00:00:00Z

One of the more frequent questions we get asked is about parkrun and how to get fit enough to do one. The simplest answer is: just go out and do one and you’ll figure it out quickly. But if you’re really looking for something a little more structured, use our training program below.

And if you’re wondering how on earth do I juggle running with kids and work, here’s a great article from Runner’s World to give you some inspiration. Now that you’re committed, let’s go!

We designed this 5km parkrun training program for busy working parents who have only 4 hours a week to train and most of the time, a maximum of 45 minutes available for each session. This plan will help you enjoy a parkrun with your kids while promoting family health, fun, and a balanced lifestyle.

10-Week Program: From Desk to Parkrun

Weeks 1-3: Building the Routine

Week 1: Train up to 3 hours total, spread out in 20 to 45-minute sessions.
Week 2: Increase to 3.5 hours.
Week 3: Reach 4 hours.

Run and walk as you feel, and if possible, run with a friend you can talk to during the whole session to keep the intensity right. It’s about consistency, not doing too much too soon.

Weeks 4-6: Adding Structure

Workouts:
- Warm-Up: 10 minutes easy pace
- Week 4:
  - Workout 1: Alternate 2 minutes moderate running with 1 minute walking for 20 minutes.
  - Workout 2: 5 intervals of 2 minutes fast running with 1 minute walking.
  - Workout 3: 20 minutes continuous running at a moderate pace.
- Week 5:
  - Workout 1: Alternate 2 minutes moderate running with 1 minute walking for 24 minutes.
  - Workout 2: 4 intervals of 4 minutes fast running with 1 minute walking.
  - Workout 3: 25 minutes continuous running at a moderate pace.
- Week 6:
  - Workout 1: Ladder workout: 1 minute fast, 1 minute walk, 2 minutes fast, 2 minutes walk, 3 minutes fast, 3 minutes walk, then back down.
  - Workout 2: 6 intervals of 2 minutes fast running with 1 minute walking.
  - Workout 3: 30 minutes continuous running at a moderate pace.

These sessions are great for both beginners and advanced runners, with the saying: it never gets easier, just faster!

Weeks 7-8: Increasing Intensity

Repeat Week 6 workouts with more intensity, adding one more interval per week.

Week 9: Deload Week

Cut down to 3.5 hours, reduce intervals, take an extra rest day, or shorten the longer run. This helps prevent injuries and allows your body to recover.

Week 10: Taper Week

Run up to 3 hours, rest on Thursday (before the Saturday parkrun), and do a short 15-20 minute run on Friday with walking breaks.

Enjoy a parkrun with your family and celebrate your fitness in the great outdoors!
Let us know in the comments if you are going to give this program a go or if you have any other questions.

Next Chapter

2024-07-01T00:00:00Z

It’s been a wild few months, but finally, after decades of sports coaching across multiple sporting disciplines, age groups, and countries: we are now officially going global. A massive thank you to all the athletes who have inspired us over the years and our international clients who have trialed the ups and downs with us and those who encouraged us to get busy chasing our own dreams too.

Global

Going global and expanding our client base has it’s fair share of challenges. But thankfully, we have applied some technology to assist. And as the demand has grown, we have struggled to find ways to help more athletes achieve their dreams. By combining decades of experience, sport science and technology and using some purpose-built artificial intelligence, we are now ready to take more dreams to the next level. We are thrilled to embark on this journey as we help our athletes from all over the world achieve their dreams.

training plans
remote check-ins
coached sessions
one-on-one assessments

Find an academy that suits you and level up!

Plans for the future

Simple. Keep on dreaming and help others reach their dreams.

The Ocean Academy

2024-05-14T00:00:00Z

Ocean racing is an exciting pursuit. The playground itself is this vast deep blue that offers endless beauty but can be equally cruel. The conditions are unpredictable, and the challenges are shifting all the time. For some, this is the ultimate thrill; to test yourself where you need to be on your A-game at all times.

And inside this vast domain, The LollyPop Agency has established an ocean academy which is focused on helping athletes achieve their sporting goals across three more specific disciplines:

open water swimming
surfksi or paddling
the sport of lifesaving

Open Water Swimming

Almost all masters swimmers do some sort of open water swimming, be it the ocean or an inland freshwater venue. Both have very different but also share very similar skills. With years of collective experience, The LollyPop Agency is uniquely positioned to assist swimmers with the very technical, psychological, and physiological aspects which open water swimming demands. Whether you just need to tackle one particular swim, or swimming is your life, and you need guidance or assistance in preparing or finding partners to help you prepare and achieve your dream, get in touch with us to help you make it happen.

Surfski

Our surfski-friends network extends way beyond our own neighbourhood with groups scattered across the country so if you’re looking to take your surfski adventure to the next level, get in touch with us and we can help find the right tribe for you. And if you’re looking for some assistance with equipment, boat setup, paddling technique, or a training program, we are ready to get you onto the next start line.

Lifesaving

The sport of lifesaving is a dynamic multisport environment and suits the multisport athlete built for speed and endurance. From decades of coaching all ages (from as young as 2yo to as old as 60+) we recognize that athletes in this sport are unique in their demands across the biopsychosocial domains. Our lifesaving academy is designed to continue equipping our athletes with the broad toolset they need to excel in their chosen areas of specialization (even if their specialization is being an all-rounder).

The Future

We are incredibly excited with the launch of this academy as it provides an opportunity for sport lifesaving athletes from all over the world to train together and learn from each other. We are equally inspired by their commitment and their resilience and celebrate their victories and share their tribulations along the way. We’ve seen this little group grow from informal, humble beginnings to an organic collection of athletes searching for mentorship, coaching, and guidance: whether it be ad-hoc or just on race day. As this space continues to grow, we’ll continue to stretch ourselves to make the space available to all athletes chasing excellence.

The LollyPop Squad

2024-02-01T00:00:00Z

After gathering so many athletes from all over the place, we’ve decided to identify them and give them a space where they can continue to train together, learn from the each other and stay motivated chasing their goals.

Maybe a quick “why” first

Lolly has coached a lot of kids and adults across a wide range of sports. From horse riding to jiujitsu, crossfit, olympic weightlifting, gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic), swimming (pool and open water), triathlon, paddling, and lifesaving, Lolly has been there helping kids and adults master their sport and move forward to reach their own dreams.

Additionally, she has helped rehabilitate a number of athletes from injuries as well as helped parents reach their lifestyle dreams through one-on-one coaching.

And then sooner or later, all these athletes connect on a start line somewhere or on a beach, and sometimes while on holiday in far-off lands, and adventure together. Becausee there’s one thing that all Lolly’s athletes have in common:

“Just go out and do cool stuff”!

Life is for living and healthy movement will help you get the most out of life.

Make living more fun

So if you have a goal, it could be an Ironman 70.3 or a parkrun. Maybe it’s just something simple like being able to pick up your grandchild. Or you just want to get back to sport after an injury; as we like to call it: return to play. Or it could even be an Olympic dream. Whatever your dream, if you need a coach to help you get there, hop onto the #thelollypopsquad

Do I really need a coach?

Even the best in the world have multiple coaches. Having just one who keeps you accountable, keeps pointing you in the rigth direction and will always be your #1 fan is a sure-fire way to hit your goals.

So come on, let’s do cool stuff together!

Swim Squads

2023-11-01T00:00:00Z

After looking for a space to help kids grow their swimming talent, Lolly has joined forces with AquaAthlete in the Western Cape to create a space where kids can focus on their swimming fitness and performance goals.

Swim Squad

How do I join?

Reach out to AquaAthlete or Lolly and get in touch for an assessment for you or your kids to find a spot in the lane.

So come on, let’s do cool stuff together!

Nurturing Growth, Maturity, and Skills Development

2023-08-15T00:00:00Z

Nurturing Growth, Maturity, and Skills Development

This discussion is designed to guide parents, coaches, and mentors in the holistic development of youth athletes. Building Youth Athletes is an informative discussion that delves into the critical areas of growth, maturity, and skills development necessary for the success and well-being of young athletes.

During this session, we’ll talk about sports psychology, coaching, and youth development while sharing some valuable insights, practical strategies, and evidence-based techniques to help you unlock the potential of young athletes. Gain a broad understanding of the multifaceted factors that contribute to their overall development, both on and off the field.

Key Topics Covered:

Growth Mindset: Cultivating a positive mindset and instilling resilience in youth athletes.
Physical Development: Understanding the stages of growth and tailoring training programs accordingly.
Emotional Intelligence: Nurturing emotional well-being, stress management, and effective communication.
Mental Toughness: Building mental strength, focus, and concentration for peak performance.
Skill Development: Strategies for enhancing technical abilities, tactical awareness, and game intelligence.
Long-Term Athlete Development: Creating a sustainable pathway for youth athletes’ progress and success.
Balancing Academics and Athletics: Strategies to manage time, set priorities, and foster a healthy work-life balance.
Injury Prevention and Recovery: Promoting injury resilience, proper nutrition, and rest and recovery techniques.

Who Should Attend:

Parents of aspiring young athletes
Coaches and trainers working with youth athletes
Educators and school administrators interested in sports development
Sports psychologists and counselors specializing in youth sports
Anyone passionate about nurturing the potential of young athletes

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and tools to support the growth, maturity, and skills development of youth athletes.

Get in touch to book your spot.

The Off-Season Power Program

2023-06-01T00:00:00Z

The Off-Season Power Program

When the dust has settled from a long season of training and competition, it’s time to start thinking and planning ahead for the next season. Yes, there’s always pre-season training; which can be too short for some kids depending on their current levels. The off-season has time and space for kids to take stock of their goals and re-work some of the fundamentals required to make the most of the season’s work. Typically, the aspects required most often during the season (and most neglected in favour of general conditioning during the season) are mobility and power.

Mobility and Power

Mobility and power require a higher degree of technical feedback and take longer to perfect which is why these two aspects are glossed over during the season’s training in a large group environment where the kids’ motivation and attention levels are highly varied. The off-season is the perfect time to give kids who need and want the detail, the attention they need to achieve their own goals.

If you would like to find out more about our off-season program, get in touch with us for more detail.