Positive Coaching Alliance and Thunderbirds Charities Announce Partnership with an Emphasis on Mental Health & Leadership Development for PCA Youth, Sports and Education Initiatives in Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ – Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) & Thunderbirds Charities have joined forces once again in 2026 to collaborate on a series of workshops focusing on the Mental Health & Leadership Development for PCA Youth, Sports & Education Initiatives in Arizona. Through Thunderbirds Charities and its generous support of PCA with a $25,000 grant, PCA will have the opportunity to expand its work with underfunded schools and Youth Sports Organizations in Maricopa County to teach the valuable leadership and life skills/ lessons that can be taught through sport.

“Thunderbirds Charities exemplifies what’s possible when leadership, philanthropy and community purpose come together”, said Rich Tomey, PCA Sr. Regional Director. “Their work continues to elevate PCA’s Mission in Arizona by funding programs that create real, lasting change for generations to come. Without their support, PCA would be limited in providing much-needed resources for Arizona’s underserved schools and youth organizations that see the value in PCA programming.”

“Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support Positive Coaching Alliance and its commitment to strengthening the mental health, leadership development, and overall well-being of Arizona youth through sports,” said Matt Mooney, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “By investing in programs that empower coaches, students, and families with meaningful life skills and support systems, we are helping create positive environments where young people can build confidence, resilience, and leadership both on and off the field.”

PCA’s success is built on strong collaboration. Over the years, the organization has cultivated a robust statewide network that enables it to effectively engage coaches throughout Arizona. To support the success of this initiative, PCA will continue working closely with coaches, parents, and community leaders at afterschool program sites serving underserved communities, while also strengthening the capacity of key partners, including statewide school districts at the middle and high school levels and youth sports organizations.

Districts and individual schools in Maricopa County who are interested in partnering with PCA as part of this initiative can fill out this interest form or reach out directly to PCA’s program manager: Kristi Yamaoka (kristi_yamaoka@positivecoach.org).

About Positive Coaching Alliance

PCA is a national non-profit organization with the mission to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience. PCA partners with schools, organizations and professional sports teams including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns & Mercury, Arizona Cardinals and The Fiesta Sports Foundation, To learn more about PCA, visit: www.positivecoach.org, contact Rich_Tomey@positivecoach.org or call 602-647-2864.

About Thunderbirds Charities

Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2027 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.