The Million Coaches Challenge represents a significant step towards creating a more holistic and supportive youth sports environment. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion alongside social and emotional learning (SEL), NRPA is using the power of parks and recreation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth athletes. This initiative will ultimately encourage a cultural shift in youth sports, where mental health is prioritized, and seeking help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
The National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments defines SEL as the processes through which individuals acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Integrating SEL into youth sports offers many benefits. SEL helps youth athletes develop resilience, cope with stress and build a strong sense of self-awareness.
These skills are crucial in managing the pressures of competition and maintaining overall wellbeing on and off the field. The skills learned through SEL create a strong foundation that extends beyond the playing field and lasts a lifetime. Young athletes carry these skills into their academic, social, and professional lives. These skills contribute to their overall success and wellbeing.
Athletes who are emotionally intelligent and possess strong interpersonal skills tend to perform better. They can effectively communicate with their teammates, handle setbacks and stay focused under pressure. SEL fosters a supportive team environment where athletes feel valued and understood. This sense of belonging can enhance team cohesion and cooperation.
Join Us for the Building Resilience Through Sport Workshop
We hope you’ll join us in Atlanta for the “Building Resilience Through Sport,” pre-conference workshop at 2024 NRPA Annual Conference on Monday, October 7. Youth sports coaches, camp counselors, seasonal staff and community volunteers play an important role in supporting our young people. Register for this no-cost, in-person workshop, brought to you in partnership with the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, Laureus USA and Nike to learn how to build positive environments for youth in your programs – specifically how to apply a healing-centered lens to your coaching style. NRPA Annual Conference attendees should use these instructions for registration. If you are not attending the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, please use these instructions for registration.
This blog post is the second of a 3-part series focused on coaching that utilizes social and emotional learning paired with diversity, equity and inclusion to create a psychologically safe space for youth to participate and gain the benefits of participation in sports. You can read Part 1 here.
Charissa Hipp (she/her) is a marketing and engagement manager at NRPA.
Rosa Riley (she/her) is a program specialist at NRPA.