Key Takeaways
- USA Ultimate has launched a new, free resource called Community Coach for adults teaching young, beginning ultimate players.
- The program provides a learning experience for individuals with limited experience in the sport of ultimate.
- The course includes modules on introducing coaching, teaching skills, and facilitating a learning environment.
- The program also features practice plans, equipment lists, and advice for adapting to different groups and spaces.
- The goal of the Community Coach program is to make ultimate accessible to more youth and extend the availability of ultimate programming.
Introduction to Community Coach
The USA Ultimate organization has recently introduced a new, free resource for adults who are interested in coaching young, beginning ultimate players. This program, titled Community Coach, offers a comprehensive learning experience designed specifically for individuals who have limited experience with the sport of ultimate. The development of Community Coach was led by USA Ultimate’s Youth and Education Program Manager, Sam Callan, in collaboration with Dan Raabe, the Youth Programs Director, and Grant Boyd of California Ultimate, an affiliate of USA Ultimate. The program also received input from other members of the ultimate coaching community, ensuring that it is well-rounded and effective.
Program Development and Launch
The Community Coach program was launched with a soft rollout near the end of last year and is currently available through the USA Ultimate Mobile Coach website and app. This timing allows for a gradual introduction of the program, giving USA Ultimate the opportunity to gather feedback and make any necessary adjustments before a wider launch. The program’s development was a collaborative effort, with Callan, Raabe, and Boyd working together to create a comprehensive resource that addresses the needs of adults who are new to coaching ultimate. By leveraging the expertise of experienced coaches and educators, USA Ultimate has created a valuable tool for introducing young players to the sport.
Program Content and Features
The Community Coach program is designed to provide a thorough introduction to coaching ultimate, with a focus on teaching young, beginning players. The course includes a range of modules, each covering a specific aspect of coaching and playing ultimate. These modules include an introduction to coaching, featuring advice from elite ultimate coach Matty Tsang, as well as a module covering the basics of the game and how to facilitate a learning environment. The program also includes videos featuring longtime ultimate coach Libby Cravens, who explains how to teach offensive and defensive plays. In addition to these modules, the program provides four introductory practice plans, complete with equipment lists and advice for adapting to different groups and spaces. A kid-friendly rules introduction and additional resources are also included, making the program a comprehensive resource for adults who are new to coaching ultimate.
Goals and Objectives of Community Coach
The primary goal of the Community Coach program is to make ultimate accessible to more youth and extend the availability of ultimate programming. By providing a free, comprehensive resource for adults who are interested in coaching young players, USA Ultimate aims to increase the number of ultimate programs available to middle school students. This, in turn, will help to introduce more young players to the sport, promoting its growth and development. As Sam Callan noted, "Making ultimate accessible is an ongoing goal of USAU, and getting parents and teachers involved is a great way to extend the availability of ultimate programming to youth who are exploring new sports." By leveraging the Community Coach program, USA Ultimate is taking a significant step towards achieving this goal and promoting the sport of ultimate among young players.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The launch of the Community Coach program represents an exciting development for the sport of ultimate, particularly among young players. By providing a comprehensive, free resource for adults who are interested in coaching, USA Ultimate is helping to promote the growth and development of the sport. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it is likely to have a positive impact on the sport, introducing more young players to ultimate and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. With its focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the Community Coach program is an excellent example of USA Ultimate’s commitment to promoting the sport of ultimate and making it available to a wider range of players. As the program continues to grow and develop, it will be exciting to see the impact it has on the sport and the young players who participate in it.