Governor Gavin Newsome | Official website
Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have announced a new initiative aimed at training 25,000 youth coaches in California by the end of 2025. This effort is part of the "25x25: The California Coaches Challenge," a collaboration 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 initiative will be supported by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) and the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS), focusing on positive youth development, social-emotional learning, healing-centered practices, and culturally responsive coaching. The American Institutes for Research will provide research support.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of sports in developing teamwork, confidence, and physical and mental health among children. He stated that leaders have an obligation to ensure coaches are equipped with necessary tools to meet high standards. "Working with the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being and Million Coaches Challenge, I’m confident that we can build a new generation of coaches that are ready to meet every challenge our young athletes throw at them," he said.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom highlighted the critical role of empowering youth sports culture in children's mental health. She noted that when coaches prioritize character development, teamwork, grit, and emotional resilience, young people are more likely to stay engaged in sports.
The initiative comes amid declining physical activity and sports participation rates nationwide. In California, only half of the youth participate in sports, with around 70% discontinuing organized sports before high school. The program aims to create a more inclusive sports culture that engages youth while helping them develop essential skills.
Training will be provided through existing relationships with parks systems, schools, community organizations, and club teams across California. Notable partnerships include those with the Dodgers Foundation, Los Angeles Clippers, YMCA of Greater Los Angeles, Nike's collaboration with Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department among others.
Kevin Connors from Susan Crown Exchange expressed optimism about California setting an example for promoting well-being through sports. "This initiative will help ensure that hundreds of thousands of young athletes experience sports in ways that promote physical emotional mental well-being," he remarked.
The Governor's Advisory Council's campaign "Move Your Body Calm Your Mind" launched last year aims at increasing awareness about movement sport nutrition overall wellness encouraging fitness activities promoting equitable access facilitating collaboration among various sectors providing resources for individuals organizations alike.
The Million Coaches Challenge envisions training one million coaches by 2025 ensuring all young athletes regardless background have access skilled mentors fostering success both field life funded Susan Crown Exchange.
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