GameChanger Announces the Building the Coaching Pipeline Initiative Grantees
The initiative will ensure coaches nationwide have the tools, training, and support needed to lead and inspire the next generation of athletes
In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), GameChanger is proud to announce the recipients of the Building the Coaching Pipeline Initiative grants. These selected communities across the country are implementing innovative strategies to strengthen existing pathways into coaching and create new opportunities for aspiring coaches to help build a stronger, more inclusive future for youth sports.
“NRPA is proud to partner with GameChanger through our Building the Coaching Pipeline initiative to support communities to deliver high-quality youth sports programs,” said Kellie May, NRPA Chief Partnerships Officer.
“These communities are reimagining what it means to build a coaching culture from the ground up, creating intentional pathways for coaches, and developing the next generation of leaders. The work happening in these communities reflects a fundamental truth: when we invest in coaches, we invest in every young person who shows up to play."
Meet the Grantees:
- West Allis–West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Department (WI): Engages youth coaches, equips first-timers, and strengthens retention through hands-on support and mentorship.
- City of Orangeburg (SC): Prepares new 6U coaches through local training, mentorship, and incentives that boost confidence and retention.
- Blacksburg Parks and Recreation (VA): Builds a full coaching pipeline by recruiting broadly and supporting coaches with structured training and mentorship.
- Columbus County Parks & Recreation (NC): Combines youth pathways, coach training, and “try-it” opportunities to recruit and retain new coaches.
- City of South Fulton Parks & Recreation (GA): Develops teen coaches through leadership programs, pairing training and mentorship with real coaching opportunities.
Key elements of the partnership include:
- GameChanger will invest $175,000 in grants and technical assistance to support the recruitment, training, and retention of youth sports coaches.
- The funding will be distributed to these esteemed grantees to support coaching development programs designed to strengthen local youth sports ecosystems.
- The initiative is expected to train approximately 500 coaches, impacting an estimated 5,000 young athletes.
- GameChanger and NRPA will help participating agencies form a national learning community to share best practices and explore sustainable coaching models that can be replicated in communities across the country.
Learn more about what GameChanger is doing to get more kids in the game.
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