Coaches are among the most influential adults in the lives of youth athletes. In conjunction with parents and schools, coaches are key to developing character in our children.
Children who are coached responsibly in sports achieve better grades, are less likely to engage in dangerous behavior, live longer and healthier lives due to improved fitness they carry forward from youth sports. Sports provide the ideal ‘virtual classroom’ for teaching life lessons, if coaches prepare themselves to become responsible coaches.
“There isn’t any other youth institution that equals sports as a setting in which to develop character. There just isn’t. Sports are the perfect setting because character is tested all the time.”
– John Gardner, Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner and Founding Member of Positive Coaching Alliance’s National Advisory Board
The Gift of Soccer supports coaches with equipment, tools, and guidance.