Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has announced a new initiative to train thousands of youth sports coaches in California. Dubbed the 25×25: The California Coaches Challenge, the joint effort seeks to educate 25,000 coaches on the finer points of positive coaching by the end of 2025. This initiative is a partnership between the California Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being and the Susan Crown Exchange's Million Coaches Challenge (MCC).
The focus of the training, which was revealed today, is on instilling values such as social-emotional learning and culturally responsive coaching, as reported by the official statement. Training organizations, namely the Positive Coaching Alliance and the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, will lead the initiative. Research support for the program will be looked after by the American Institutes for Research, while also holding a multiyear study on the impact of the challenge.
Pushing forward the advancement of youth sports, Governor Newsom emphasized the role sports play in developing essential life skills in kids. Speaking with an air of determination, Newsom said, "We have an obligation to make sure those coaches have the tools to meet that high bar." Similarly, First Partner Siebel Newsom highlighted the importance of a positive sports culture for the mental health and overall well-being of children. "The partnership between the Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being and Million Coaches Challenge will ensure that our youth...gain the social and emotional support they need to thrive on and off the field," Jennifer Siebel Newsom told gov.ca.gov.
Across California, a range of youth sports organizations, including the famed Dodgers Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Los Angeles, have already jump-started training partnerships with CHJS. PCA is not far behind, with planned training with teams and organizations such as the LA Jr. Clippers and Boys and Girls Club of Burbank. According to Kevin Connors, Managing Director of the Susan Crown Exchange, California's commitment to the 25×25 challenge sets a powerful example for the country.
The broader campaign, Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind, was launched by the Governor's Advisory Council in 2023 with objectives that extend beyond just the youth. The campaign aims to increase Californians' physical activity and mental well-being, promote equitable access to sports, and facilitate collaborations among various sectors to further these goals. This initiative is set to provide resources to support not only individual Californians to get moving but also benefit entire communities.
