Sports and after-school programs are opportunities for character development.
Whether young people are on a tennis team or a robotics team, their coaches have a responsibility to foster and model character. And not just performance character (such as grit and resilience). All sports coaches and adults involved in after-school programs also need to reinforce the core values as honesty, gratitude, and service to others.
virtual forum
Coaches Develop Character
Chris Moore, President of Positive Coaching Alliance, interviewed former NFL player and coach Herm Edwards about the relationship between sports and character at the 2021 Character.org Forum. Watch the clip.
Herm Edwards is the head football coach at Arizona State University. Prior to his role at ASU, he was an ESPN analyst and head coach for the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Originally an athlete himself, Edwards played cornerback for ten seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons.
Interested in learning more?
Here are some organizations that can help you get started:
InsideOut Initiative
Empowers school communities to implement purpose-based athletics.
Penn Athletics Wharton Leadership Academy
Provides student-athletes with opportunities to receive best-in-class leadership training that focuses on character, personal values, and effective communication.
Character Development and Leadership
Teaches student-athletes the importance of character, leadership and sportsmanship.
WON80
A grassroots movement with a mission to spread the importance of positive sportsmanship.
Positive Coaching Alliance
Offers resources to help coaches create a more inclusive experience for all athletes.