Best Practice Guidelines
Practical guides for leaders, coaches and parents
For coaches
Coaching Girls Effectively
January, 2026: When girls feel heard by their coaches, they’re 2.5x more likely to stay in sport—and stronger coach relationships are directly tied to confidence and mental health. This guide breaks down what gender-responsive coaching actually looks like - moving beyond stereotypes, setting high expectations, listening with intention, and creating environments where girls feel challenged, valued, and ready to lead.
Coaching With Perspective: How Trish & Corey Kennedy Model Athlete-Centered, Bias-Aware Coaching
January, 2026: This interview with longtime coaches Trish and Corey Kennedy shares real stories and honest reflections from the sidelines about what it looks like to truly coach the whole athlete. If you coach girls and want practical reminders about building trust, confidence, and connection—especially when things get hard—this is a must-read.
INCLUSION STARTS WITH LISTENING: MEETING GIRLS WHERE THEY ARE
November, 2025: When coaches stop assuming and start listening, inclusion moves from policy to practice. This short piece reminds coaches that small, intentional changes—like asking what girls need to participate—can transform teams, build belonging, and keep every girl in the game.
Great Coaches Don’t Just Teach the Game — They Change Lives
October, 2025: Celebrate coaches this October. Discover how positive coaching and the 3C Formula—care, competence, and choice—keep girls thriving in sport.
Five Fundamentals Every Coach Should Know to Keep Girls in Sport
September, 2025: Discover five fundamentals every coach needs to keep girls in sport—belonging, skill mastery, body confidence, leadership, and development.
for leaders
How Leaders Can Use National Girls & Women in Sports Day to Drive Impact
January, 2026: This article explains how the beliefs coaches carry—often without realizing it—shape whether girls feel confident, challenged, and supported in sport. It’s a must-read for coaches and leaders who want clear, research-backed reasons why coach education matters and how better training can help more girls stay and thrive in sport.
Great Coaches See Potential, Not Stereotypes: Why Leaders Must Invest in Coach Education
January, 2026: This article explains how the beliefs coaches carry—often without realizing it—shape whether girls feel confident, challenged, and supported in sport. It’s a must-read for coaches and leaders who want clear, research-backed reasons why coach education matters and how better training can help more girls stay and thrive in sport.
LISTENING TO GIRLS: TURNING FEEDBACK INTO ENGAGEMENT
December, 2025: Listening to girls is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen their engagement in sport. This piece highlights how simple, consistent feedback—gathered safely and acted on intentionally—helps girls feel seen, supported, and motivated to stay in the game. When girls’ voices guide decisions, belonging follows.
SEEING EVERY GIRL: TURNING DATA INTO INCLUSION
November, 2025: Inclusion isn’t just about programs—it starts with awareness. This article challenges sport leaders to look deeper at their data, uncover who’s missing, and turn numbers into meaningful action that creates environments where every girl feels seen, supported, and included.
Coaching the Coaches: Investing in Those Who Invest in Girls
October, 2025: Strong coaches keep girls in sport. Learn how recognition, training, and support help leaders invest in coaches—and build thriving teams.
Back to Basics: Leading with Belonging and Opportunity
September, 2025: September is a reset for sport leaders. Learn how equity, belonging, and visibility keep girls in the game and build stronger futures.
champion best practices
EMPOWERING GIRLS' ENGAGEMENT: DOING WHAT WE CAN, WHERE WE ARE
December, 2025: Jess Nash, RUSH Soccer, shares a powerful reminder that real change starts small. This article shows how everyday actions - creating pathways, building connection, and supporting girls where they are - can strengthen engagement and keep girls growing in sport.
Snowsports in America leverage Coaching HER®
October, 2025: The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) are leveraging Coaching HER® modules to strengthen the pipeline of women leaders within the Snowsports education community.
for PARENTS
From Sidelines to Lifelines — How Parents Keep Girls in Sport for Life
September, 2025: Parents are game-changers in girls’ sports. Learn five ways to keep girls active—lead by example, cheer effort, remove barriers, protect confidence, and support sport sampling.
