Lou BergholzEdgework Consulting - Edgework has worked on the frontlines of sports-based youth development and trauma-sensitive curriculum and program design for more than 15 years. We specifically engage in projects and communities where access to clinical care can be limited, and so our work has taken us across the United States and to parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Through our research, project work, and collaborations with other experts, we built a comprehensive approach to using sports to help children heal from traumatic experiences. Trauma-Sensitive Coaching is designed for frontline sports-based youth development coaches to build the kind of athletic programs that help young people develop vital skills that can buffer them from the ongoing effects of an adverse experience.

There is overwhelming research on the positive role that a caring adult plays in the lives of all children.  Too often, for children affected by trauma, their “caring adult system” is disrupted and disorganized and so the role of a trusted, caring adult becomes exponentially more important.

To share what we have learned and created, we are very excited for our next collaboration: in partnership with Up2Us, we will present a special spring learning series on Trauma-Sensitive Coaching called the "Boston Trauma Series". The workshops will provide sports-based youth development coaches, program directors and leadership with foundational knowledge about the impact of trauma on young people, as well as introduce a proven set of tools and approaches to increase support for young people affected by trauma. We hope you will join us for an engaging, informative and practical workshop experience. Network with like-minded individuals and organizations who are invested in using sport to promote positive youth development, and leave with tools and skills you can apply immediately to your coaching practice.