We Know Coaches Make a Difference—Now the Nation Does Too

In a powerful op-ed published in USA Today, our very own President & CEO Ed Foster-Simeon and soccer legend Tim Howard make a compelling case: youth sports coaches are one of the most underutilized resources in addressing the growing mental health crisis among children and teens.

As the school year kicks off, the data is sobering. “The kids are not alright,” they write. A shocking 42% of teens report feeling sad or lonely, and nearly one-third have an anxiety disorder.

But there’s good news. Across the country, we already have 6.5 million youth coaches who are uniquely positioned to help kids find a place to belong, build confidence, and feel supported during these formative years.

That’s why we’re launching Yes, Coach!™ later this month, a new online hub that will give youth sports coaches the training and support they need to become true coach-mentors. The platform will help coaches create a positive team culture and give kids the tools they need to succeed—on and off the field.

And the timing couldn’t be better. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ on the horizon, Ed and Tim urge us to think beyond stadiums and scoreboards. The real legacy lies in our communities—and in the mentors who shape young lives every day.