Positive Coaching Alliance, YMCA of the North, and the Minnesota Vikings Launch Partnership to Elevate Youth Sports in the Twin Cities

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) and the YMCA of the North, with support from the Minnesota Vikings, have announced a new partnership designed to foster a positive youth sports culture across the Twin Cities. With the rising popularity of Flag Football and other YMCA sports programs, this collaboration will provide PCA training for coaches, parents, youth athletes, and organizational leaders at 19 YMCA locations throughout the region.

“PCA is excited to partner with the YMCA of the North, and we are incredibly grateful to the Vikings for their support in making this initiative possible,” said Jason Sacks, CEO of PCA. “As Flag Football continues to grow, equipping athletes, coaches, and parents with training that emphasizes character development will not only enhance the overall experience, but drive greater participation for years to come.”

Positive Coaching Alliance’s mission is to transform the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience. This partnership builds on PCA’s ongoing efforts in Minnesota, which include partnerships with the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, Wild, and Lynx, as well as state associations, schools, districts, and local youth sports associations.

“Thank you to the Minnesota Vikings for your incredible support of the YMCA of the North’s partnership with PCA,” said Josh Schoaf, Executive Director of Sports at YMCA of the North. “Your investment in youth sports will impact more than 10,000 young athletes in our programs, helping to create positive, character-building experiences that instill confidence, leadership, and a lifelong love for the game. Through your generosity, over 300 volunteer coaches and staff will receive specialized PCA training, equipping them with the tools to mentor, inspire, and develop young athletes both on and off the field. Together, we are strengthening communities in the Twin Cities and shaping the next generation of leaders through the power of sports.”

“The Minnesota Vikings are proud to support this partnership between Positive Coaching Alliance and the YMCA of the North,” said Joe Rush, Minnesota Vikings Youth & High School Football Manager. “By equipping coaches, parents, and young athletes with the tools and training to foster character development and sportsmanship, we are strengthening the foundation of youth sports in our community. This initiative empowers the next generation of athletes to thrive.”

PCA’s training – available in-person, virtually, and through self-paced online training courses  – blends the latest insights from sports psychology, education, and organizational behavior with practical advice from a National Advisory Board that includes top professional and collegiate athletes and coaches. Each year, PCA trains over 100,000 coaches, nearly half of whom work in under-resourced communities. In addition, PCA collaborates with community stakeholders to close the sports equity gap, launching sports equity coalitions nationwide to remove barriers to play and expand opportunities for youth participation in sports.

If you’re interested in seeing how your team or organization can impact youth sports with PCA, click below to learn more.