Across the U.S., more than 38 million kids play organized sports every year. From soccer fields to basketball courts to local rec centers, sports are a defining part of childhood. But for too many kids, the promise of sport—the joy, connection, and life lessons it can bring—falls short.
Why? Because fewer than one-third of youth coaches have ever received training in youth development practices. That means millions of coaches enter the role without the tools to create safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for young people.
And yet, research is clear: a well-trained coach changes everything. They don’t just teach drills or strategies. They build confidence, resilience, and belonging, which are the kinds of life skills that help kids thrive on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
That’s why in 2021, the Million Coaches Challenge launched with a simple but ambitious vision: train one million coaches in youth development practices by the end of 2025. The goal wasn’t just about numbers. It was about transforming the definition of what it means to be a coach, and, in turn, transforming the sports experience for kids everywhere.
Today, we are proud to announce: the goal has been reached. One million coaches trained.
What does this mean?
- 1 million coaches are better equipped to help kids win on and off the field.
- Millions of kids now have coaches who listen, encourage, and create belonging.
- Research shows MCC-trained coaches report more confidence (93%), believe training benefits all coaches (94%), and see their athletes experiencing more joy, stronger friendships, and greater retention in sport.
But this milestone is not the finish line, it’s the starting line. Alongside this achievement, the Million Coaches Challenge is launching two new resources:
A Practice Guide for Youth Coaches: 12 Coaching Strategies to Support Positive Youth Development
Created in partnership with the American Institutes for Research and grounded in best practices from MCC partner trainings, the Practice Guide moves beyond theory and gives coaches simple, concrete strategies to support kids’ development right away. From creating safe environments, to fostering belonging, to running purposeful practices, these 12 practices are practical, flexible, and immediately usable by coaches at every level, from volunteer parents to professional staff.
The Calls to Action: A Vision for Youth Sports Coaching in the U.S.
The MCC Calls to Action outline a field-wide vision for systemic change, organized across four areas:
- Insights – turning evidence-based coaching frameworks into real tools, investing in rigorous research, and making resources easier to access.
- Narrative – elevating coach and athlete stories, recruiting diverse new coaches, and recognizing coaches as mentors and changemakers.
- Organizational Practice – requiring high-quality training, setting clear standards, and removing barriers to participation.
- Policy – advancing state-level oversight, requiring ongoing training, and creating sustainable funding streams.
This milestone proves what’s possible when the field unites. When we invest in coaches, we invest in kids, in communities, and in the future of sport.
Learn More and Access Resources
