March 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 38

YOUTH SPORTS
Investing in SEL and DEI training
for coaches becomes an imperative
step toward creating a positive,
inclusive and impactful youth
sports culture. Park and recreation
professionals have many options for
developing a holistic coach training
and recruitment strategy, including
high-quality, no-cost coach training
resources. When park and recreation
agencies focus on building the
foundational skills and knowledge
needed to center well-being, inclusivity
and positive youth development,
communities benefit.
Focusing Coach Pipeline
Efforts
In recent years, park and recreation
agencies have faced challenges recruiting
and retaining coaches. While
training is one strategy to support
coaching staff, agencies also should
employ an intentional approach to
coach recruitment efforts, ensuring
coaches reflect the communities
and youth they serve. " We know the
importance of having coaches who
come from the communities that
they coach in, " says Sacks. " No one
can better relate to or understand the
perspectives and experiences of their
athletes than someone who is from
their community. "
Assessing coach demographics,
including
race, ethnicity, ability
and gender identity, and comparing
them to the demographics of
the community served is an important
first step in creating inclusive
and diverse representation among
coaches. Agencies can take action
to increase diversity and representation
among coaches by developing
a DEI-focused coach recruitment
plan. " Coach recruitment and retention
are major concerns across
the youth sports landscape, " says
Minjares. " We need more women,
coaches of color, LGBTQIA+ and
coaches of all abilities, particularly
in underserved communities. "
Recruitment Strategies
Developing and implementing a
comprehensive recruitment plan is
paramount to enhancing diversity
and representation among coaches.
After identifying gaps in representation,
establish clear, measurable recruitment
goals. Develop a compelling
message, articulate key talking
points and create a recruitment package
that outlines expectations and
addresses frequently asked questions.
Ensure the materials incorporate diverse
images and inclusive language.
Effectively market coaching opportunities
by leveraging community
partners to disseminate information,
utilizing a variety of channels for
promotion, weaving impactful stories
into the narrative and actively
engaging current coaches to serve
as advocates. Further visibility can
be achieved by participating in community
gatherings and local events,
as well as hosting dedicated recruitment
events. Any coach recruitment
plan must ensure that recruitment
efforts focus on building long-term,
authentic and equitable relationships
with under-represented populations.
" Use as many avenues as you can
to get the word out about coaching
opportunities, " says Sacks. " Make
sure that any flyers, emails, etc., use
diverse images of coaches and athletes.
If someone doesn't see themself
in the advertisement, they may
be less willing to coach. "
When interfacing with potential
coaches, communicate the coaching
program's requirements and time
commitment, but offer flexibility in
scheduling and ample resources for
support to attract new coaches and
encourage diversity among coaches,
says Minjares. " This is particularly
important for women. [A] recent
study [tinyurl.com/ycxvcvrr] found
that flexible scheduling, supportive
employers and welcoming environments
helped women feel comfortable
balancing coaching with family
SEL and DEI training helps coaches take
a people-first approach.
38 Parks & Recreation | MARCH 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
http://tinyurl.com/ycxvcvrr
March 2024 - Parks and Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2024 - Parks and Recreation
