America SCORES New York Partners with Nike to launch Online Coaching for Change Academy
Through the hiring of 20 young changemakers, this Unique Coaching Academy will develop the next generation of coaches and mentors to make a positive contribution in their NYC communities
(NEW YORK, NY, July 13, 2020) - America SCORES New York (ASNY) has launched a first-of-its-kind youth coaching academy and has partnered with Nike to ensure the continued education and development of the next generation of young coaches and mentors in the city.
Coaching for Change Academy powered by Nike will hire 20 young adults to provide comprehensive professional and life skills, as well as provide immediate coaching experience and fill a need for younger youth assistant coaches.
The loss of the popular New York City-driven Summer Youth Employment Program as a result of the COVID pandemic was a disappointment to many NYC young people who were left without any of their usual opportunities. Young people of color were disproportionately affected by this loss.
This was one element of the inspiration for ASNY – a nearly 20-year-old organization serving youth in under-resourced communities in New York City through after-school programs that combine soccer, poetry and service-learning to promote fair play, self-expression, commitment and teamwork – to develop a virtual employment opportunity in partnership with Nike.
During the coaching academy program, youth coaches will build long-lasting relationships, explore self-reflection through healing-centered engagement, learn to be a coach and mentor, get experience navigating and working in digital spaces, and develop professional skills – collectively, learnings that will allow them to make a positive impact in their communities.
Said Zahkiya Brown, High School Program Director of America SCORES New York: “By implementing this professional development and mentoring series for our talented youth, America SCORES New York and Nike will be able to create a legacy for young people who embody teamwork, leadership, and commitment.
“The Coaching for Change Academy will change the trajectory of what mentorship looks like – allowing youth who join the America SCORES New York program in kindergarten to participate into adulthood and then have a career path into coaching where they can inspire the next generation of young leaders directly from their community. With the current uncertain climate and citywide budget cuts, providing our New York City youth with a sense of financial stability will go a long way. Even though it is virtual for the time being, we have hopes to eventually and
safely bring our young coaches together to celebrate their commitment to their communities and themselves.”
“We believe that kids are made to play, and trained coaches are fundamental to kids having a positive experience in sport,” said Matt Geschke, Senior Director of North America Social & Community Impact at Nike. “Nike is committed to training and growing the number of quality coaches around the world by supporting programs like America Scores New York that share our commitment to leveling the playing field for all, by making sure their coaching staff reflects and empowers the kids they serve.”
About America SCORES New York
America SCORES New York serves as a driving force in promoting fair play, self-expression, commitment, and teamwork for youth in under-resourced communities in New York City. They partner with under-resourced communities by building a strong social-emotional learning (“SEL”) foundation and taking that a step further by promoting social justice alongside their young people. By bringing the community together through a unique combination of soccer, literacy, and service-learning, 100% of their youth are stronger, smarter, happier, and prepared to make a difference in their community.
For more information, visit AmericaSCORESNewYork.org/coaching-for-change-academy
Veronica Collazo Marketing and Communications Manager America SCORES New York vcollazo@americascores.org
