Lacrosse League Hosts Free Double-Goal Coach™ Workshop

Wednesday, January 17 Session Open to All Interested in Youth Sports

by Irene Byrne Ohl

(January 4, 2007) Spring may be a few months away, but the Larchmont Mamaroneck Youth Lacrosse League is gearing up for the 2007 season by offering a free Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) workshop for their entire coaching staff and for any other interested community members who are involved in local youth sports.

“Realistically, most volunteer coaches in youth sports simply do not have the time to commit to refining the thought, consideration and process of coaching, and motivating their player,” stated Bob Garry, LMYL’s founder. “The PCA provides a very solid template as a foundation that we would have a difficult time doing on our own. We view this as more important than our lacrosse training, and you will find it translates to any coaching situation.” LMYL has committed to make every coach in their league a Double-Goal Coach™ for the spring 2007 season.

What is a Double-Goal Coach™?

PCA defines a Double-Goal Coach™ as one who strives to win while achieving the second, more important goal of using sports to teach life lessons sothat every youth athlete can have a positive, character-building experience.

Mr. Garry explained, “PCA ideals have been an integral part of LMYL since its inception in 1998. As our club continues to grow and attract new coaches, this PCA workshop will reinvigorate veteran coaches and springboard novice coaches, providing our league with a distinction of commitment that both parents and players will value.”

Chris Knowles, Boys First Stepper Commissioner, agreed. ” I took this course last year and have been able to apply key learning from these instructors, not just with the little guys, but in work situations as well as at home with my children. I have worked with the first steppers for the past four years and can tell you it is an absolute joy.  There are two main goals that we have for each season.  The first is to teach the kids the awesome game of lacrosse by focusing on the basic fundamentals.  The second is to build the kids up and have fun.  The second goal will transcend any sport they pick up over the years.”

Based at Stamford University, PCA has a goal of certifying one million US coaches by 2010. LMYL will add about 95 to 100 coaches to that goal by April 1, 2007. The league has earned PCA’s Seal of Commitment for 2006 which is bestowed upon sports organizations and schools that commit to providing youth athletes a positive, character-building experience and requiring every coach to be trained and certified as a Double-Goal Coach ™.

In an on going effort to work with all the youth sports associations in the community and to foster a greater understanding of the power of youth athletics, LMYL has opened its workshop to any interested community members involved with youth athletics. In addition to the LMYL coaching staff, coaches from Mamaroneck High School, Rye Lacrosse, Larchmont Soccer, Rye Country Day School and community members associated with Field for Kids have registered to attend the workshop. Additional spots are still available.

The program is aimed at providing new tools and techniques for anyone involved with youth sports, even the most experienced coaches. The two-hour session will be held in the new tiered classroom at Mamaroneck High School on Wednesday, January 17 2007 from 6 to 8pm. LMYL will provide course material, workbooks and refreshments for the session. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, e-mail PCA07@optonline.net.

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