Initiatives
Train All Coaches
The Why
Coaches are the backbone of youth sports, serving as mentors, role models and inspirations for generations of young athletes.
But unlike other educators, youth sports coaches are often unpaid or underpaid volunteers, with little training beyond the mandated certifications in critical topics like CPR, concussions and SafeSport. Research has consistently shown that kids who play for trained coaches have a better experience. It is time to recognize coach training as critical to the youth sports experience, and to work together to make it more accessible to every coach.
What kids want from a coach
Adults who work with kids should know these fundamentals
Respect & encouragement
Positive role model
Clear, consistent communication
Knowledge of sport
Someone who listens
(Data: Visek et al., Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 2014)
What We Are Doing
Through strategic partnerships with the NRPA, the Buffalo Bisons, UBMC, CHJS, and Positive Coaching Alliance, we are expanding our reach beyond traditional coaching networks to engage municipal parks and recreation professionals, youth sports providers, educators, and community leaders with resources, training, and opportunities that support positive youth development through sports.
These collaborations help strengthen community capacity, promote health and well-being, and create more inclusive pathways for young people to play, learn, and thrive across Western New York.
Our Initiatives
Thank You Coach
A positive youth sports experience can lay the foundation for children to become happy, healthy adults. Each year, Project Play WNY recognizes non-scholastic youth sports coaches who demonstrate the qualities of a great youth sports coach, who focuses on youth development, promotes sportsmanship, and demonstrates leadership and integrity.
Contact us
If you are a youth sports organization interested in collaborative work to facilitate coaches training, please email inquiries to ProjectPlayWNY@CFGB.org.