Greenwich Parks & Rec to Host Workshop for Coaches

As part of a targeted effort to provide the most positive environment possible for its youth athletes, Greenwich Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a coaches’ workshop in conjunction with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) on Thursday, Oct. 2.

PCA, a Stanford University-based non-profit organization, works with coaches, organizational leaders and parents to teach young athletes not only how to win, but also how to learn about teamwork, discipline, respect and goal-setting through their sports experience.

The two-hour session, to be given at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, provides coaches with tools they can use to become Double-Goal Coaches® (coaches who want to both win and develop the character of their players). “The importance of a ‘team-first’ attitude figures heavily in this workshop, as do messages such as fostering internal motivation and forming a partnership with players,” says Sue Snyder, Superintendent of Recreation. “We are thrilled that three youth sports organizations in Town, O.G.R.C.C., Jr. Babe Ruth, and Greenwich Flag Football League, have partnered with us to offer three workshops for the 2014-15 year.” she adds.

“Working with hundreds of youth sports organizations around the United States, we’ve developed practical tools and guidelines to help youth athletes, their coaches and parents realize that winning is not only reflected in game scores but also in the effort players give, the learning and improvement they achieve, and the ability they develop to bounce back from mistakes,” said Jim Thompson, founder and director of Positive Coaching Alliance. “We’re excited that Greenwich Parks and Recreation recognizes the tremendous potential sports participation offers for today’s youth and is working to realize that potential by emphasizing a positive club culture for their players, coaches, and parents.”

The PCA workshop “Double Goal Coach: Culture, Practices, and Games” on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd., Old Greenwich, is open to all youth sport coaches. The workshop is free for all coaches of the sponsoring agencies of Parks and Recreation, O.G.R.C.C., Jr. Babe Ruth, and Greenwich Flag Football League. Coaches from other organizations are welcome to attend for a cost of $20 each, payable at the door. Please pre-register at ssnyder@greenwichct.org.

Photo: Flickr.com.