Columbus County Parks and Rec was recently named one of five departments nationwide to receive a prestigious grant.
The $10,000 grant through the National Recreation and Park Association’s partnership with GameChanger is designed to strengthen youth sports coaching, according to a press release. The funding will support new strategies to recruit and retain coaches, including youth leadership and early employment pathways that promote coaching as a viable career path.
As part of the award Columbus County Parks and Recreation will also gain access to no-cost, high-quality coach training in youth development, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive coaching and welcoming practices.
“We’re proud to be part of this national effort to build stronger, more sustainable coaching pipelines and ensure every young athlete in our community has access to caring, well-trained mentors both on and off the field,” Parks and Rec said in a press release..
Through the grant, the department aims to expand participation through targeted outreach and low-barrier entry opportunities; increase coach retention by 25 percent through mentorship, support, and recognition initiatives; Improve participant and parent satisfaction, and strengthen coach confidence, preparedness, and consistency across all youth sports programs.
The program will focus on youth ages 15-18, new and returning volunteer coaches, parents and community members interested in coaching, and more experienced coaches serving as mentors.
“We would like to sincerely thank all of our coaches who have remained committed to serving the youth of Columbus County,” Parks and Rec said in the press release. “Their hard work, dedication, and positive influence do not go unnoticed.
“We encourage anyone who has a passion for working with young people to consider volunteering as a coach or mentor. Staying involved, staying active, and being present in the lives of our children helps build a stronger future for our community. The more we invest in our youth today, the better prepared they will be for tomorrow.”
The the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) aims to train 45,000 coaches and support more than 250 agencies in under-resourced communities through the NRPA Youth Sports Framework by 2030.
For more information on volunteering with the Parks and Recreation Department, call 910.640.6624 or 910.625.6702.
