Looking to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support athletes in youth sports? We’ve curated this selection of free and low-cost resources tailored specifically for coaches, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering the development of young athletes. From coaching techniques and guidelines to youth development strategies, these resources are designed to equip you with the necessary insights and skills to help inspire, motivate, and guide the next generation of athletes towards success both on and off the field. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or sport administrator, or just starting out, these resources offer valuable information and practical tips to enhance your coaching arsenal and make a positive impact in the lives of young athletes.
Note: We will continue to update this page with resources and opportunities as they become available.
Free:
Protecting Youth Athletes (PYA) Modules – in collaboration with the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). Topics covered in these modules include: why abuse occurs in youth sports, understanding and recognizing (emotional, physical, and sexual) abuse, intervening, reporting abuse, and creating safe environments in sports. These PYA modules are tailored to specific audiences, including Coaches, Administrators, and Parents & Guardians.
Coach-Mentor Training – US Soccer Federation. Topics covered in this training include: How to be a mentor and a coach; creating and embedding a team code and culture that is consistently reinforced throughout the season; making, strengthening, and sustaining connections with your team; managing behaviors with empathy; and developing and harnessing the social and emotional skills of young people.
The ISYS and SCLA graduate programs have cohosted numerous webinars, including Celebrating Black Leaders in Coaching and Sport Administration, Women in Sports Leadership – Challenges and Opportunities, and Unlocking Potential: How to Start Your Journey into Disability Sport Programming. We’ll be hosting a webinar this spring on LGBTQIA+ Issues in Sport on May 22, 2024.
Our Newsletters:
The Youth Sport Report & The SCLA Scoop
Not currently receiving our newsletters? Contact our program coordinator, Sarah Miloshoff, at milosho1@msu.edu to be added to our mailing list.
ISYS Annual Report:
Low-cost:
MHSAA CAP/SCECH ($25)
Eligible events to earn Coaches Advancement Program (CAP) and State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH): Summer Coaches’ School, DEI Conversations in Sport Conference Series
Partnerships:
Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE seeks to inspire leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality.
The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 3,000 community-based organizations and has trained more than four million coaches, parents, officials, and administrators since its inception in 1981. NAYS seeks to educate, equip, and empower youth sports leaders, volunteers, and parents so all children can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sports.