The City of St. Louis Empowers Local Coaches with Nike-Supported Training
The City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department, in partnership with Nike and the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport (CHJS), recently hosted a coach training day aimed at equipping local coaches and recreation staff with specialized skills to create positive sport experiences for youth. The event, held on June 21, brought together leaders, coaches, staff, and volunteers to learn evidence-based coaching techniques that promote inclusivity, support, and development for young athletes in programs across the city’s recreation centers and parks.
The Nike-supported training featured expert-led workshops, interactive breakout sessions, and best practice sharing to help coaches create environments that inspire, uplift, and empower St. Louis youth through sport. According to Matt Geschke, Senior Director of Social and Community Impact in the Americas, “Nike is powering the future of youth sport — with the vision of an active, inclusive world that inspires all youth to play and achieve their greatest potential.” The company is committed to providing opportunities for young people to experience the benefits of play and movement, and supporting coaches who directly shape those experiences is crucial to making that vision a reality.
This coach training builds upon the City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation, & Forestry’s ongoing dedication to youth development, complementing other city-wide initiatives that promote access to sports and recreation for all children. “Coaches have a profound impact on the lives of young people,” stated Greg Hayes, Director of Parks, Recreation, & Forestry for the City of St. Louis. “By investing in their growth and development, we are ensuring that every child in our programs has the opportunity to thrive under the guidance of a positive and well-prepared leader.”
The day of coach training was led by CHJS, an organization that works with various groups to increase access to sports experiences that promote healing, build resilience, and address systemic injustice. This initiative marks a significant milestone in expanding access to high-quality coaching education and supporting the future of youth sports across St. Louis.
Find Your Nearest Recreation Center and Join the Fun!
To learn more about the City of St. Louis Recreation Centers and the many free programs they offer, visit our Recreation Centers page. Join us in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all youth in our community!
