Coaching Corps, Under Armour Offer Empathy Training

Coaching Corps, an organization that helps find skilled coaches for underserved communities, is partnering with apparel brand Under Armour to launch a new initiative that will bring empathy training to volunteer coaches.

The goal of this partnership is to recruit youth coaches and train them to help kids become the best versions of themselves through sport, read a statement.

Coaching Corps contends that the results can be seen more starkly in underserved communities than anywhere else.

“Now more than ever, it is critical for coaches to understand the emotions and feelings of youth in under-resourced communities, many of whom have faced systemic inequalities which can many times result in toxic stress, a condition that can lead to lifelong problems in learning, behavior, and physical and mental health,” read the statement.

Coaching Corps developed its Empathy Training Course to teach coaches how to appreciate the perspective of kids, connecting with them to create positive outcomes together. The companies said they recognize the many ways children benefit from access to a supportive, responsive relationship with an adult and are teaming up to recruit and train coaches to create that positive experience for those who need it most. 

“Afterschool and other youth sports programs across the country are grappling with multiple challenges as they return to sport, with depleted staff, local restrictions and much uncertainty in how to plan during this ever-changing landscape,” said Janet Carter, CEO at Coaching Corps. “Under Armour is jump-starting our effort to compel adults to join us and be ready to support youth as they get back on courts and fields.”

The Empathy Challenge launched to Under Armour teammates during Armour Week, an annual celebration and community service event when teammates volunteer their time and energy toward giving back to the local communities where they live and work. As part of the initiative, Under Armour encouraged its employees to take the Empathy Training and to volunteer to become youth coaches. In just one week, Under Armour teammates from across the globe have accepted the challenge and have taken the training, with over thirty teammates getting involved in coaching in their local communities.