How Coaching Shapes the Youth Sport Experience — And a Free Course by the USOPC to Help

"An athlete doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” 

As fall approaches, families across the country prepare for the familiar back-to-school whirlwind – new routines, new supplies, and, for many, the start of a new sports season. Amid the excitement lies many important choices like selecting the right program for your child or building the right environment as a coach or administrator. 

At the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), we’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the most elite athletes in the world. When we ask what made the greatest difference in their athletic journeys, their answers almost always point to one thing: a great coach. 

But what defines a “great” coach? It’s not just about wins, skills, or game plans. Time and again, we hear that it’s about relationships, trust, encouragement – and the way coaches shape athletes as people first, not just athletes. 

That’s why we created the free Connection Based Coaching course – designed to help coaches of any sport and experience level build the social and emotional skills that today’s young athletes value most. It's also part of a national movement to train one million coaches in positive youth development by the end of 2025. Start the course today at the link here.  

If you played a sport growing up, chances are you can recall a coach who left a lasting impression. What stands out likely isn’t their tactical genius, but how they made you feel. Did they lift you up when you were struggling? Believe in you even when you doubted yourself? Create a space where you could grow, try, and enjoy the game? 

That’s what we hear consistently from children in youth leagues to Olympic and Paralympic athletes. When asked what makes sports fun, young athletes cite coaches who: 

• Communicate clearly and consistently 

• Provide encouragement and stay positive through mistakes 

• Are approachable, respectful, and easy to talk to  

These are social and emotional qualities that have a measurable impact on performance, retention, and personal development at all levels of competition. 

The Connection Based Coaching course was developed to help coaches learn and apply skills that create positive sporting environments. 

• Self-awareness and self-management to handle frustration and respond positively to challenges 

• Social awareness and relationship-building to connect with athletes and build trust 

• Decision-making that promotes fairness, growth, and continuous improvement 

Unfortunately, many coaches aren’t given the chance to learn how to apply these skills effectively. More often, they coach the way they were coached whether that approach was the best method or not. The Connection Based Coaching course offers a free opportunity to improve that. It helps coaches build essential skills that aren’t always common knowledge but are critical to the healthy development of young athletes. These are the skills that keep kids playing, growing, and thriving—and they’re the ones athletes carry with them for life. 

During the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there was one ceremony most viewers didn’t see. After winning a medal, athletes had the chance to present a separate medal to their coach – a quiet, powerful tradition that highlights the true impact of coaching. 

Time and again, athletes have used that moment to thank their coaches not just for training their bodies, but for shaping their lives. Olympic silver medalist Nic Fink said: 

“Thank you for being a major part of my journey to becoming an Olympic champion and, more importantly, for helping me become the person I am today.” 

Research confirms what athletes already know: coaching isn’t just about skill development. Positive coaching environments contribute to: 

• Better academic performance 

• Improved mental health 

• Stronger motivation and leadership skills 

“Youth sport participation alone isn’t enough to yield developmental benefits. It’s the combination of quality coaching, inclusive environments, and meaningful relationships that creates lasting impact.” 

- Adapted from research by Eccles & Barber; Petitpas et al.; Holt et al.; Newman et al. 

Whether you’re a parent or caregiver choosing a program, a coach leading a team, or an administrator building a culture, you can help create a new era in youth sports that values connection and growth in addition to traditional physicality. We challenge you to take the initiative to develop the skills necessary to create environments for athletes to build a lifelong love of movement. 

Take the free Connection Based Coaching course today and help shape the next generation of athletes – for sport and for life. Start here!