Voorhees resident Donald W. Albertson , a former youth sports
coach of soccer and softball in Cinnaminson, and author of “Catch a
Rising Star: The Adult Game of Youth Sports” (Turnkey Press, January 2006) recently published his first novel that takes a severe look at rage and obsession in youth sports.

Albertson began working on his novel four years ago. A writer of 10 years, he mainly focused on business writing in the past, though he has also dabbled in short fiction. He is currently working on a business thriller.

Albertson, a coach of six years, learned in his coaching experience that “when parents expectations were not met, sports rage would take over, often resulting in violence.”

“I wrote the novel after seeing crazy things on the field that amazed me. I wanted to put a face on it and personify the rage that was expressed.”

As a parent of four grown daughters, all of whom participated in competitive sports and theater growing up, Albertson witnessed corruption in other youth activities, such as theater, dance, and music as parents would sabotage other kids to give their own
children an unfair advantage.

He recounted a time when he saw a At their New Year’s Eve celebration held at Lion’s Lake Park in Voorhees parent yelling at their daughter on the other side of the field. He also saw a parent drag his daughter off the field by her hair. He says he has also seen two men “fight it out.”

He feels, “many people express sports rage. I have always wanted to put a face on this issue. He hopes, by making the people aware of the problem, they can figure out a way to deal with it. I hope that the book will bring this awareness.”

“Youth sports should encourage teamwork and camaraderie while teaching children about health and fitness,” says Albertson. “Instead, they have contributed to and created a cutthroat world where competition and pride know no bounds.” Albertson believes the extent of adult involvement in youth sports has poisoned the potential benefits to children. While he does anticipate some negative reactions from parents, so far response to his new book has been positive. He has received several emails from people saying they have had a similar experiences. One in particular, from a women whose husband was in therapy due to his coaching experiences.

Albertson believes, “There is a lure of big money with professional sports. Parents sometimes see that their child has talent and the lure takes over their lives. He claims this also effects family members who will often not take family vacations, fearing if they do
their child may get left behind (in the sport).

Albertson often speaks at events on the topic of rage and violence in sports and other youth activities, and offers proactive ways to stop violence. He currently lives in Voorhees with his wife, Carolyn. They enjoy traveling and collecting books.

In addition, to hosting signings and traveling throughout New Jersey to promote his book, Albertson is currently working on a sequel to his new release.

He will be speaking at Borders Express in the Cherry Hill Mall on February 10 from 6-8 and at the Oxford Valley Mall on February 11. For more information, please visit www.DonaldAlbertson.com

Reprinted with permission