The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is an organization founded by Jim Thompson for the purpose of  "creating a sports culture where kids love to play the game and choose to stay involved, where they look forward to practices and games as times when they will have fun, and where the joy they find in playing will last a lifetime."

Sounds simple?   In today's society sports participants seem to be more focused on the scoreboard win than on the fun of learning the sport, creating lasting friendships and having fun which will ultimately result in the BIG win.  Creating an atmosphere in which our children learn, have fun and become self-confident is not an easy job!  It takes dedication on the part of adults - coaches, parents and youth association leaders.

PCA is dedicated to accomplishing their mission by: 
-   Replacing the "win-at-all-cost" model of coaching with the "Double-Goal Coach" who strives to win while using sports to teach life lessons.
-   Teaching youth sports organization leaders how to create positive role models

Little League Baseball, Inc. began their partnership with PCA in early 2006.  The program is now available to the more than 2.6 million Little League participants!   Stephen Keener, President and CEO of Little League International had this to say:  "Positive Coaching Alliance's Double-Goal Coach method affords Little League International the opportunity to enhance its educational material for our adult volunteers, so they can present the most well-rounded, healthy and positive experience regardless of skill level."

PCA has such notable athletes on their Board of Directors as:
    Summer Sanders - Olympic Gold Medalist in Swimming
    Bart Conner - Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics
    Nadia Comaneci - Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics
    Kerri Strug - Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics
    Ruthie Bolton - Olympic Gold Medalist in Basketball
    Donna de Varona - Olympic Gold Medalist in Swimming
    Joy Fawcett - Olympic Gold Medalist, US Women's National Soccer Team

Notable coaches on PCA's Board of Directors include:
    Jerry Kindall - Head Coach (ret.), University of Arizona Baseball; Senior Advisor, USA Baseball
    Phil Jackson - PCA National Spokesperson; Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers
    Bill Walsh - Head Coach (ret.), San Francisco 49ers, Head Coach of three Super Bowl Champions

What each of these exceptional athletes and coaches say is the key to winning is creating athletes who want to excel, who want to learn and who want to give it their all.  That is accomplished through positive reinforcement and focusing on giving your best effort all the time.

Click here to become a Double-Goal Coach by taking the online course offered on their web site.  

 

Click here to become a Second-Goal Parent by taking the online course offered on their web site.    

Positive Coaching Alliance is part of the Department of Athletics, Stanford University, Stanford, California.