Patrick Ianni — Mental Health Awareness and Changing the Culture in Youth Sports

This episode of The Game Plan features Patrick Ianni, former Major League Soccer pro and Olympic Soccer Player.

Patrick founded Ianni Training after a playing career that spanned 9 years in MLS, the Olympics in Bejing, and being an All-American at UCLA. Through his journey of mindfulness and self-discovery, Pat realized a massive culture change is needed in youth soccer that focuses on the whole athlete: mind, body, and spirit. 

Patrick brings his story of personal transformation as he works with players from all walks of life - and we're grateful to hear him share that story with us today. In this episode, Patrick recalls 

• Turning down a lucrative contract from Hamburg to play in the MLS
• Starting 'mutinies' as a young player with the Seattle Sounders
• Taking the time to seek guidance and intensive therapy after retirement
• Why he believes the 'relationship that 100% of youth soccer players have with the game, is toxic', 
• Discovering his passion for mental wellness in sports that drove him to launch: Ianni Training!

(Also, Patrick's phenomenal scoring kick in 2012 won MLS Goal of the Year: Watch it here!)

Please follow Patrick on Twitter (@patrick_ianni) to learn more about Ianni Training and how you can get started with the methodology.

Follow co-hosts Jay Kapoor (@JayKapoorNYC) and Tim Katt (@Tim_Katt) for all things sports, media, tech, and venture capital.

Follow The Game Plan on Twitter (@thegameplanshow) and Instagram (@gameplanshow) for show news & updates, to recommend guests, & for bonus content!