Youth Sports
In 2019, thirty-six million young people played organized sports across the United States. This program works with youth sports organizations to help these kids succeed both on and off the field.
Combining physical activity, play, and collaboration, sports are a meaningful way to build social and emotional skills like teamwork, empathy, and problem solving. These foundational skills boost young people’s academic, career and life outcomes.
The wide reach of youth sports means that they have massive potential to transform kids’ lives. We support SEL-informed youth sports initiatives that prepare youth to thrive. Through this work, we hope to spark a movement of youth-serving organizations that use sports to build critical SEL skills and broaden the definition of winning.
Youth Sports
In 2019, thirty-six million young people played organized sports across the United States. This program works with youth sports organizations to help these kids succeed both on and off the field.
Combining physical activity, play, and collaboration, sports are a meaningful way to build social and emotional skills like teamwork, empathy, and problem solving. These foundational skills boost young people’s academic, career and life outcomes.
The wide reach of youth sports means that they have massive potential to transform kids’ lives. We support SEL-informed youth sports initiatives that prepare youth to thrive. Through this work, we hope to spark a movement of youth-serving organizations that use sports to build critical SEL skills and broaden the definition of winning.
Our Partners
Aspen Institute Project Play
Project Play explores how youth sports can promote the development of social and emotional skills.
Futures Without Violence
This initiative focuses on building and developing coaches, athletes, fans, and sporting organizations into champions of healthy relationships on and off the athletic field.
Our Challenge

The Million Coaches Challenge
Combining physical activity, play, and collaboration, sports are a meaningful way to build key social and emotional skills. But to achieve these outcomes, young athletes need good coaches. That’s why we’re seeking partners to train one million coaches in youth development by 2025.
Apply for Funding

Help train one million coaches in youth development
We are currently accepting applications for funding through the Million Coaches Challenge! Click the button below to learn more about the Challenge and how you can apply.
Blog Posts
FAQs: The Million Coaches Challenge
GETTING STARTED What are the key steps to this process? All interested candidates must follow the steps below to be considered for this funding opportunity. LOI Stage (through January 2021): All candidates must submit a letter …
Positive Coaching Alliance: Bringing SEL Training to 400,000 Youth Sports Coaches
More than forty million young people play sports each year. Combining physical activity, play, and collaboration, sports have near-limitless potential to help young athletes develop social and emotional skills like grit, empathy, and teamwork.