Narrative Call to Action
Invite Young People to Coach
Inviting young people to step into coaching roles is a powerful way to grow the pool of coaches. Teens and young adults bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a natural connection that resonates with the next generation of athletes. By actively recruiting teens and young adults, including former youth athletes, high school students, and college-aged mentors, organizations can build a pipeline of passionate coaches.
→What this looks like when we get it right: High-school and college students, former youth athletes and young community members take up coaching and become a new generation of mentors.
→Who can drive this change? Program Operators, including high schools, clubs and community programs; Sports Governance; Parents/caregivers; Government, including workforce development programs; Civil Society, including mission-based non-profits; Technology; Media
Why This Issue
Young people aren’t just the future of sport – they’re a key part of its present. Inviting teens and young adults into coaching roles helps grow the coaching pipeline, brings fresh energy to the field, and builds a culture of mentorship and mutual respect between coaches and participants.
Many young coaches recently participated in sport themselves, and their lived experience allows them to connect with today’s players in powerful, relatable ways. By stepping into coaching roles, young people help bridge generational gaps – and often become the kind of mentor they once looked up to.
These opportunities can be transformative for everyone involved. Coaching helps teens and young adults develop life and career-ready skills: communication, empathy, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. It can also serve as a launchpad to careers in teaching, health, sports, and youth development.
Getting Started
Coaching associations, national bodies, schools and youth-serving community programs can take the lead:
- Offer age-appropriate training, certifications, and mentorship experiences
- Create peer coaching programs in schools, rec leagues, and summer camps
- Celebrate young coach success stories through social media and local events
- Provide incentives, including compensation, community service hours, or school credit whenever possible
Importantly, these coaching opportunities should be accessible to all, especially youth from underrepresented communities. When young people see themselves reflected in leadership roles, they’re more likely to stay engaged in sport, and potentially return as coaches who inspire the next generation.
Game Changing Content
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| From Inspired to Inspiring | Four GOTR Alumni Who Came Back to Coach . |
| Women’s Coaching Alliance | Not-for-profit, coaching and leadership development program for teens and young women in the San Francisco Bay Area. |
| USTA Coaching | Comprehensive coaching approach that includes pathways for volunteer and emerging coaches. |