Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sports

Let's Do This

Youth sports offer unique and meaningful opportunities for caring adults to strengthen their relationships with young people and encourage positive health and development. Coaches especially are in an important position for nurturing a safe and supportive team culture. 

Using the five key elements of the Developmental Relationships Framework from Search Institute, coaches can: 

• Express care by showing student-athletes they matter
• Challenge growth by pushing them to keep getting better
• Provide support by helping them complete tasks and achieve goals
• Share power with them by including student-athletes in decision-making, within safety limits
• Expand possibilities by connecting them with people and places to broaden their world

Stay Inspired

Learn more about promoting positive youth development through sports and the Developmental Relationships Framework on Search Institute's website.