Gurnee Park District schedules coaching workshop

Gurnee Park District has established a partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance to ensure a positive, character-building experience for all youth athletes in Gurnee Park District programs.

PCA (www.PositiveCoach.org), a Stanford University-based, nonprofit organization, conducts workshops for coaches, organizational leaders and parents involved in schools and sports organizations serving athletes ages 5 to 18. PCA also provides workshops for high school athletes.

“Working with hundreds of youth sports organizations around the United States, PCA has developed practical tools and guidelines to help youth athletes, their coaches and parents get the most out of sports,” said Matthew Vanderkamp, youth athletics supervisor, Gurnee Park District.

“We recognize the tremendous opportunity character-building sports offers for today’s youth, so we are embracing PCA’s Double-Goal Coach® model, where winning is one goal and teaching life lessons is the second, more-important goal.”

PCA Executive Director Jim Thompson said his organization is delighted to partner with Gurnee Park District.

“Together, we’ll strive to help their youth athletes take a positive approach to pursuing victories in athletic competition and in life,” he said.

Developing Winners in Life through Sports is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at Hunt Club Park Community Center Gymnasium, 920 N. Hunt Club Road. Registration is required at www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/sports or call (847) 599-3771.

During the workshop, participants will learn how to help their children get the most from the youth sports experience.

Coaches and league leaders also will learn how to establish and maintain a positive, competitive environment inside youth sports.

There will be an interactive discussion with fellow parents and a facilitator with extensive coaching experience.