Positive Coaching Alliance

Seeing an athlete thrive in practice but struggle during games can be frustrating for both athletes and parents.

When this happens, it's easy to assume they need more technical instruction. Often though, they just need help and support navigating pressure and building confidence.

Check out this Ask PCA post for a few ways parents can help.

Have a youth sports question you'd like us to answer in a future post? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/4wZppxp

For more sports parenting resources visit https://bit.ly/3S9Nn9b

What happens when a community comes together to make youth sports more accessible?

For the fourth year, OUSD's Expanded Learning YES Sports Program has provided free opportunities for elementary students across Oakland to discover new sports, build confidence, and experience the joy of play. Through partnerships with local youth sports organizations, hundreds of families have been able to participate in activities ranging from soccer and volleyball to skateboarding, rowing, tennis, and more.

PCA was excited to join two end-of-season celebrations, including a colorful community run and a water safety event with Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development.

These moments remind us that when communities work together, we can create more opportunities for every child to play, connect, and thrive.

Oakland Unified School District

Not every athlete sees themselves reflected in the sports opportunities around them.

27% of Asian American students say they don’t play a sport because none of the options interest them.

Creating positive youth sports experiences starts with listening to young people, expanding access, and building programs where every athlete feels seen, valued, and excited to participate.

Source: Aspen Institute Sports & Society's Project Play

Jeremy Lin sparked a cultural phenomenon called "Linsanity" because of his contributions to an impossible comeback for the New York Knicks in 2012. He is also the first person of Chinese or Taiwanese decent born in the US to play in the NBA, and the first Asian American player to win the NBA Championship. Lin was named in the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World, and won the ESPY Award for Breakthrough Athlete of hte Year.

Teams are at their best when athletes are able to find joy in the game.

When coaches create positive environments centered on the fun of the game rather than solely the scoreboard, athletes are more likely to develop a lifelong love of the sport.

AAPI athletes continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation, but representation gaps still remain.

While Asian American and Pacific Islander communities make up roughly 7% of the U.S. population, they account for only 2.5% of Division I athletes. Increasing access, visibility, and support in youth sports can help create more opportunities for every athlete to belong, grow, and lead through sport.