Calls to Action for Youth Sports
Narrative
Changing the Way the World Sees Coaching
Actions that change people’s perceptions of coaching through powerful stories, recruiting more coaches, celebrating impact, and giving coaches the tools, support, and recognition they deserve.
Transform How People See Coaches
Area of Focus
From youth sports to professional teams, it’s time to change how people think about coaching, especially in youth sports. We must transform public perception from winning and sports performance to get at what it really means to be a coach. To do this we must highlight athlete-centered coaching and tell impactful stories that challenge stereotypes.
Signature Issue
Reimagine Marketing and Messaging about Coaching
Call to Action
Increase Media Coverage of Great Coaching
Call to Action
Tell Stories of Impact on Both Coach and Athlete
Enhance Coach Recruitment
Area of Focus
To build a stronger future for youth sports, we need to recruit coaches who are committed to making a positive impact on kids’ lives. That means widening the lens of who we think of as a coach and the attributes we assume they should have. When young athletes see coaches who look like them, speak their language, and understand their world, they don’t just feel included—they feel unstoppable.
Call to Action
Engage Underrepresented Groups
Call to Action
Tell Stories that Inspire People to Coach
Call to Action
Invite Young People to Coach
Improve the Coaching Experience
Area of Focus
Enhancing the coaching experience is crucial for recruiting and retaining great coaches. It’s also the best way to make sure young athletes get the most out of their experience. When coaching is rewarding and well-supported, we’ll see more people step up to coach, stronger preparation, more holistic methods, and better experiences for kids.
Call to Action
Speak Volumes through Recognition
Call to Action
Support Coaches with Tangible Benefits
Call to Action
Reframe Training as a Benefit
Narrative: Our Vision for the Future
In the future we’re building, coaching is something people want to do. It’s seen as a powerful, rewarding experience that shapes kids and communities for the better.
People from all walks of life and all experience levels will see themselves as coaches. And they will want to coach because they’ll understand the impact they can have.
Coaches will be supported with training and clear messages about how to create great experiences for young athletes. They’ll be celebrated as mentors and leaders who help kids reach their potential on and off the field.
Coaching should feel open and accessible to everyone. But too many people today don’t see coaching as something for them. We’re here to change that.
What happens when we get it right:
- People will see coaching as important and a way to support kids and help their communities.
- Coaches will embrace their role in helping kids grow in all areas, on and off the field – not just sports skills, but also their emotional, social and psychological well-being.
- More people from all kinds of backgrounds will get involved in coaching and more kids will have coaches who understand their life experience.
- Coaches will enjoy what they do, leading them to stay involved longer and resulting in a more consistent sport experience.
To build a stronger, more inclusive future for youth sport, we need to change the story.
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Thank You to Our Narrative Working Group
Chair: Kathryn Thompson, Girls on the Run
Members: Kelsey Moore, Nike; Ashlea Miller, Little League; Suzu Cornella, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee; Casey U’Ren, Positive Coaching Alliance
Contributors: Alana Humphrey, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Rachelle Patel, Laureus; Dale McVey, OSU LiFEsports/OHSAA; Rebecca Wade-Mdivanian, OSU LiFEsports; Kevin Fountain, Little League