On Tuesday, June 8, 2021, Up2Us Sports gave a virtual training for five individuals in India who are coaches, trainers, and leaders working with youth in their respective communities. Their work is done alongside World Learning, an organization aimed at improving global education for youth and incorporating change to ensure that schools and educators are given the tools they need to support their students. World Learning’s unique approach encompasses five key principles, including: experiential learning, leadership development, inclusive practice, innovation, and grants management.

The five individuals who participated in this virtual training were:

Ms. Rekha Dey - Founder, Rekha Dey and Associates
Mr. Bhuvnesh Gahlot - Head Coach, Dribble Academy Foundation
Mr. Manish Kumar - Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), State Assembly of Bihar
Mr. Aman Sharma - Sports Program Manager, Tata Trusts
Mr. Sandeep Singh - Co-Founder and Secretary, Youth Football Club

This virtual training focused on Up2Us Sports training: Trauma Sensitive Coaching Skills, with a particular interest from World Learning on how Up2Us Sports works alongside coaches to support them in utilizing this skill set with youth and knowledge obtained. Participants dove deep into great conversions and were thoroughly engaged with the material both physically and mentally. The hands-on approach of the training and opportunity to engage in “play” to experience the different activities allowed for a replication of an in-person training. One part of the training that participants found useful was a brainstorming exercise surrounding “context.”

Participants were able to openly share their thoughts, and remain relaxed and focused for the 90 minute training. The outcome of this training left these individuals with the skills and competencies to: 1) Identify the way that words can inspire someone, 2) Define “growth mindset”, and 3) Utilize two trauma-sensitive techniques to create a healing-centered sports environment. One participant stated, “After the workshop I can better understand the work and challenges of US organizations in the field of Sports For Development.”

Learn more about Up2Us Training here and if you’re interested in bringing Up2Us Training to your organization, contact nlejeune@up2ussports.org.