The Detroit Pistons and PeacePlayers International (PPI) teamed up with Up2Us Sports to train basketball coaches from Junior Pistons and the Detroit area in sports-based youth development strategies.  Nearly 30 coaches from across Detroit gathered at the historic Don Bosco Community Center to learn strategies to build deeper relationships with the players on their teams. The Up2Us Sports Change Your Coaching in 7 Words or Less training focuses on 7 words or phrases that coaches can say to their players to help build strong relationships and a culture of safety where their players can take safe-risk.

The day began with a visit from Pistons coaches Charles Klask and Malik Allen, who inspired the coaches to invest in their players, both on and off the court. The rest of the afternoon was filled with activities, conversations and games as the coaches were able to try some of the 7 strategies with each other. Up2Us Sports is excited about the partnering with the Detroit Pistons and PeacePlayers International to ensure that kids across the city of Detroit will have a caring adult relationship this basketball season.