Over 70 player development professionals and player association executives convened in Paris, France April 3-5 for the World Players Association Player Development Conference.   The theme of the conference was #PeopleFirst – an acknowledgement that players are people first, and athletes second.  Discussion focused on best practices to develop the full potential of players as professionals, people and citizens. Leaders from over two dozen countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Switzerland, England, Botswana, and Zimbabwe shared ideas and experiences in implementing player development programs.  Such programs emphasize areas such as player health and safety, mental health and wellness, training and performance (including the use of wearable technology), career transition programs, personal branding, social awareness and involvement, and leadership development.  In short, the conversation among conference participants embodied a holistic approach to developing players as people and athletes. On behalf of the MLBPA, I had the pleasure of taking part in a panel discussion with Don Davis, NFLPA Senior Director of Player Affairs and Development, and Stephen Webb, NHLPA Divisional Player Representative.  How player development programs are pursued within the context of a collective bargaining agreement and independent of the league and its clubs was a central part […]