In response to the growing mental health crisis that continues to negatively impact the lives of American youth, Up2Us Sports has launched a New York-based pilot program with support from the Booth Ferris Foundation. The Coaching Sports for Mental Wellness initiative will equip Up2Us Sports coaches with the training and support to better understand mental health, and how coaches can protect and inspire the mental wellbeing of their teams and athletes. As always, Up2Us Sports makes the case that youth sports coaches can “do more” and be one of the most important resources in a young person’s life. 

A small cohort of Up2Us Sports coaches in New York will complete an interactive and relevant training series to learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental and behavioral health disorders that youth may experience. Coaches will also understand the concept of “early intervention” and learn how to approach, listen to, and support youth who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Along the way, Up2Us Sports will launch a national campaign to challenge the long-standing stigmas that often inhibit young people and families in seeking out mental health care.

“What excites me about this initiative is that coaches will have the opportunity to take their level of education about mental health/wellness to another level. Youth will have an adult in their life who is cognizant and supportive as they navigate all dimensions of their holistic wellness,” says Dr. Ahada McCummings, Sr. National Director of External Affairs and Organizational Learning at Up2Us Sports. 

Up2Us Sports is well-equipped to lead this initiative. As a national organization, Up2Us Sports has been a driving force in the field of sports-based youth development and trauma-sensitive coach training for over a decade. The initiative will be co-led by Dr. McCummings, who is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Certified Mental Trainer, and Jack Callahan, who is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor. 

“This is a natural evolution of our core training curriculum,” says Callahan.  “Our coaches will become even more empowered in their roles as a result of this mental wellness training and will see how sports, and coaches, can make a holistic impact with the youth they serve.” Though the initiative will launch in New York City, this training will become available for all Up2Us Sports coaches and partners across the nation. 

Up2Us Sports’ Coaching for Mental Wellness initiative would not be possible without the generous support of the Booth Ferris Foundation and their ongoing commitment to New York City and Up2Us Sports’ mission.