The independent report issued by Sally Yates and King & Spalding on the abuse against women's soccer players is the latest in a series of reports showing evidence of horrific abuse against players and the systemic failure of multiple organizations to stop it.
The report notes that this abuse is "rooted in a deeper culture in women's soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players."
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) works to change the culture of youth sports referred to in the report. We believe that all players deserve to feel safe both physically and emotionally and to have coaches trained in positive youth development who inspire them to become the best version of themselves in the game and in life. It is why we work with youth sports organizations, schools, national governing bodies, and communities across the country to train coaches and address inequitable systems so that together, we can change the culture of youth sports so that every young person can benefit from a positive youth sports experience.
We stand by the courageous players whose willingness to come forward will work to change the culture of professional sports so that every athlete feels safe and supported.
We believe in a culture where sports leaders set expectations, provide professional development opportunities, hold coaches accountable, and take appropriate action when those standards are not met.
We will continue our work with partners at all levels of sport to help them establish systems that are equitable, accessible, and have an emphasis on player safety.
