RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, April 20, 2006) - As part of a targeted effort to provide the most positive experience for its athletes, the Richmond Kickers have established a partnership with
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA). PCA, a Stanford University-based non-profit organization, works with coaches, organizational leaders and parents to more effectively teach young athletes not only how to win, but also how to learn about teamwork, discipline, respect and goal-setting through their sports experience.
The formal letter of understanding signed by the Richmond Kickers and PCA calls for five PCA workshops for coaches, parents and leaders in the organization’s youth sports programs.
“Working with hundreds of youth sports organizations around the United States, we've developed practical tools and guidelines to help youth athletes, their coaches and parents realize that winning is not only reflected in game scores, but also in the effort players give, the learning and improvement they achieve, and the ability they develop to bounce back from mistakes,” said Jim Thompson, founder and director of Positive Coaching Alliance. “We’re excited that the Richmond Kickers Soccer Club recognizes the tremendous potential sports participation offers for today’s youth and is stepping up to realize that potential by emphasizing a positive club culture for their players, coaches, and parents.”
“We are excited to kick off our 2006/2007 tryout season with PCA workshops, and work towards implementation within our recreational programs including our affiliate programs for fall 2006,” comments Tim Krout, Club General Manager. “When championship coaches and athletes like Phil Jackson, Dean Smith, Summer Sanders, Barry Zito and Larry Brown support PCA and its message to kids, parents and coaches, you know the message is worth hearing.”
The Leadership workshop for board members took place Monday April 17th, and the first coaches clinics will be held May 5th. Further information on the recreational coaches clinic, and parent clinics will be announced later this spring.
About Positive Coaching Alliance
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) was formed in 1998 to transform youth sports so that all young athletes enjoy a positive, character-building experience. PCA offers workshops nationwide for coaches, parents and youth sports leaders to equip them to positively impact today's young athletes. The organization is headquartered at Stanford University and has offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Washington, D.C, and New York. The Institute for International Sport honored Positive Coaching Alliance and its founder, Jim Thompson, with the "Power of Good" award in 2002. In late 2002, PCA launched a national membership campaign to unite coaches, parents and youth sports leaders in creating a "social epidemic" of Positive Coaching. Since 1998, PCA has conducted more than 1,700 research based training workshops for 68,000 coaches, parents and leaders, helping to create a positive sports environment for more than 680,000 young athletes.
About Richmond Kickers Soccer Club
The Richmond Kickers are a full service soccer club with youth, adult amateur, and professional programs, plus annual soccer camps and tournaments. It is the only soccer club in Virginia with a complete pathway of programs from youth to pro.
The Club provides opportunities for all players and abilities and is committed to uniting soccer in the greater Richmond area. The unique structure of our full-service club enables us to share our talented resources across all programs, resulting in a superior soccer experience for all our members.
