The Notre Dame Club of Central Illinois will host its 2019 Hesburgh lecture on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at the University of Illinois, Springfield (UIS) Student Union on the UIS Campus, 2251 Richard Wright Dr.

F. Clark Power will speak on the topic “Youth sports in crisis: A new direction for the future.” At the University of Notre Dame, Power is a professor in the Program of Liberal Studies, a concurrent professor in the Department of Psychology, director of the Play Like A Champion Program, and a member of the graduate faculty of Teacher and Leadership Education Programs. He received his Ed.D. in human development from Harvard University and his master’s in systematic theology from the Washington Theological Union. He works in the area of moral development and education, the psychology of religious development, and sports and character education.

Power will focus on organized youth sports in America, which have become increasingly expensive, competitive and exclusive. There is little evidence, however, that they have become more effective in developing better athletes. Moreover, organized youth sports programs have become increasingly expensive, leaving poor children behind. This presentation presents a research-based approach to youth sports that advances the welfare and development of all children.

Power’s presentation is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois’ ECCE Speakers program. The 45-minute presentation will be followed by a 15-minute Q & A session. The closest parking is in Lots F, G, and J on the UIS campus.