Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) has been awarded a grant from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as part of the Million Coaches Challenge. This initiative, led by the Susan Crown Exchange (SCE), aims to train 1 million youth sports coaches by 2025.
PRCS is one of 39 park and recreation agencies across the country to receive this grant, which includes additional backing from ESPN. Thanks to the grant, the department will train 300 coaches by the end of 2024 through the Positive Coaching Alliance.
"In Olympic City USA, we understand the crucial role that sports play in the development of our youth,” said Will Davis, City of Colorado Springs Youth Sports program administrator. “We are honored to be a recipient of this grant to enhance our programs and further our commitment to provide coaches with the necessary training to empower them to make a positive impact in the lives of the young athletes in our community.”
The Million Coaches Challenge initiative seeks to address the lack of training in youth development practices to ensure that all youth have access to well-equipped coaches who can foster positive youth development. The grant will be used to implement evidence-based training programs for coaches, focusing on youth development techniques, effective communication and fostering a positive sports environment.
More information about Youth Sports and volunteering as a coach can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/VolunteerCoaching.