By Briana Mitchell, Program Communications Officer
In October, Project Play Southeast Michigan led the third and final session of its inaugural Beyond the Game coach development workshop. The Beyond the Game series launched in May, with the goal to provide youth sports coaches, volunteers and staff in southeast Michigan with tangible tools and resources to impact how they support young players. More than 50 youth sports advocates from across the region participated over the course of the three training events.
“The work of Project Play is guided by our, or strategies, including the seventh play to train all coaches,” said Pat Sharrow, director of Project Play Southeast Michigan. “Youth mental health continues to be a leading conversation in our ecosystem. We want to ensure that all coaches in southeast Michigan are equipped with tools and training to foster youth sports communities that are not only physically safe, but also mentally safe. When youth sports are done well, play can fuel good mental health, not degrade it.”
Project Play also has a play, or strategy, that emphasizes design for development — amplifying the importance of creating experiences that recognize and build on the mental, emotional and physical stages of development for children. According to the Thriving Through Sport 2024 Report from the Women’s Sports Foundation, players have significantly lower symptoms of depression in sports settings that promote teamwork and development compared to environments that focus on winning.
Each course of the workshop series featured a key partner that facilitated interactive training. The Mac Parkman Foundation facilitated a discussion to understand the risks of mental illness from early exposure to youth sports-inflicted trauma. The Center for Healing and Justice through Sport led high-energy group activities that taught participants about the emotional development of youth and how to navigate coaching with empathy. The Positive Coaching Alliance provided insight into ways to develop competitors and mental wellness through positive coaching. The workshop series underscored the importance of social-emotional wellbeing both on and off the court and provided coaches with tools to positively impact their organizations.
Project Play continues to lead initiatives that align with the values and goals of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. By engaging and empowering coaches in the region through Beyond the Game, Project Play uplifts youth development, ensuring youth in the region have a strong foundation leading to a strong adulthood.
Coaches play a critical role in creating environments where young athletes can grow and thrive. Project Play will continue to create opportunities for coaches in the region to convene and stay informed on the leading methods and principles to empower and coach young players.
