Sorry, Your Kid's Not the Next LeBron. Now What?

Crazy thought, I know. But turns out there are many careers in sports your kid can pursue as a backup.

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Late to the summer camp game for our younger son (11), I brought my husband into the fold the other day. We always seek out at least a week of non-sports camp to ensure the kid’s brain doesn’t completely turn to mush. So when my husband suggested an Intro to AI camp, I was sold. What a great way to whet our son’s palate in this transformative world that will almost certainly apply to whatever career path he pursues in the future. Our son, however, was mildly offended by the suggestion.

Why do I need to learn about AI? I’m going to be a pro soccer player in the Premier League. Duh., he said.

We just think it’s smart if you keep your options open just in case pro soccer doesn’t work out, my husband replied.

It’s fine, dad. If can’t play for Liverpool, I’ll just play in the MLS, our son said matter-of-factly.

Ah, the sweet delusion of childhood. In no way, are we intentionally going to squash his dreams, but lucky for him we are not among the 11.4% of parents who actually believe their kid will become a pro. (Still FLOORED by this stat from the recent State of Play Parent Survey.)

Crazy things can happen, of course, but like most parents we are in the youth sports world because our kids love it…and it reduces screen time. But youth sports is also a world oozing with life skills, and if you frame it all carefully, also an excellent gateway to introduce your kid to a plethora of careers within professional sports beyond playing.

Broaching the subject of a contingency plan shouldn’t automatically be interpreted as not believing in their potential. (Even if, in your mind, high school bench player is their ceiling.) But there are so many hot careers in sports right now that your kid will hopefully take notice. Maybe something piques their interest and suddenly they are exploring skills to work in sports as a non-professional athlete, or even outside of sports altogether. Only as a backup plan, of course.

Here are several key roles within professional sports, all of which require some semblance of education or life skills.

Data Analytics (Math!)

Sports analytics has been on the upswing since before the release of Moneyball. Based on the current number of job posts from professional sports teams, the runway is endless. Sports analytics departments can fuel decisions on the field. Coaches are now branded as trusting or not trusting analytics. NFL games frequently feature graphics showcasing analytical probability on decisions like whether to go for it on a 4th down call.

Many careers are in danger of becoming irrelevant thanks to AI. But a sports data analyst is the perfect example of a job that can be enhanced by AI. AI can parse through all the computations while the data analyst can apply all the swirling factors to guide decision-making. This is a big-brain industry that is only on an upward trajectory.

How to practice now: Every time your kid complains about math, explain how it’s at the core of this essential job in sports. For teens, there are a number of sports analytics programs and camps, including this free offering at USC for women and minorities. If your kid can play fantasy sports responsibly, there are endless opportunities to tinker with key data points in guiding lineup decisions.

Social Media (Video Production/Graphic Design)

10-15 years ago, there were a smattering of social media jobs in sports. It was kind of like the job you could get in sports if you were really charming but didn’t have an abundance of experience. Now it’s THE life skill as content consumption has shifted in a blink of an eye. Every pro and college has full-fledged social departments. And the competition to be the most effective, funny, and poignant is almost as fierce as the competition on the field. For example, our friends at

Club Sportico

just ranked all 32 NFL teams’ schedule release videos, dubbing it the Social Super Bowl.

How to practice now: Your kid could develop brain rot from YouTube and TikTok or they can get in on the action. While the damaging psychological byproducts of social media are too real, there’s no reason your kids can’t make creative posts and learn the tools of video editing and graphic design with a little oversight. And by oversight, I mean making sure what they are creating is appropriate. When it comes to finding the latest app or platform, they will be lightyears ahead of you. Still, show them things that catch your eye, are creative, funny or profound as inspiration. Then see what they come up with.

Orthopedic Surgeon/Physical Therapist (Biology)

We may not be able to fully predict whether or not our kid will go pro but we know without a scintilla of doubt that injuries in professional athletes will always be prevalent. A little interest in understanding the human body and the role of muscles and tendons can go a long way later.

How to practice now: Encourage your kid to focus on a current or past injury of a favorite player. If it’s a pulled hamstring, try to understand how it inhibits the ability to play and the steps for rehab. Follow ESPN sports injury analyst Stephania Bell who does an excellent job at explaining injuries and recovery timelines in an accessible way.

Marketing (Business)

There are many facets to marketing, social being a big one. Marketing can also range from sponsorships and public relations to running events and ticket sales. At the base level, sports marketing is presenting your product in a way the drives the most interest and revenue.

How to practice now: Have your kid help with a team fundraiser and practice different techniques for getting the word out. (Social, banners, simply telling friends at school). It can be as simple as a solo lemonade stand or extravagant as a gala.

Ref/Ump (Leadership)

If you haven’t noticed, there is not exactly a surplus of umpires and referees in youth sports. Flipping the script and experiencing it from their perspective can build empathy, leadership, and problem-solving skills. This profession is even tougher to crack than being a pro athlete - there are just 76 full-time umps in MLB - but in many places it’s an easy gig to earn at the youth level.

How to practice now: Some softball/baseball leagues let kids ump as young as 9. In soccer, you usually have to be 12 or 13. And the minimum is typically 14-16 to be a line judge in volleyball. But what a great way to learn to navigate “passionate” adults and make a little money on the side.

Sports Writer/Reporter (Writing)

Just don’t, ok. Ha. But yes, there are many people who do this job. While sports reporting is not lucrative for most, it can be extremely rewarding and unique. And there can be some great perks.

How to practice now: Write recaps of games for fun. Write reactionary columns for fun. Write anything. Heck, start a Substack.

(If your kid is really interested in the writing/media route and you are a paid subscriber to Good Game, please reach out. I’m happy to help them with editing or offer them some general guidance no matter their age.)