The Philadelphia Eagles have announced a partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance to help further strengthen the relationship between coach and athlete through high-quality, character-based education and development training.
In conjunction with the Eagles, Positive Coaching Alliance will organize more than 20 workshops this upcoming year for coaches, administrators, area-based youth sports organizations, members of the Philadelphia Public League (PPL), and participating Philadelphia charter schools.
"Our partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance will enable us to provide more resources and mentorship opportunities so that we can continue growing the game at the youth level," said Julie Hirshey, Vice President of Community Relations, Philadelphia Eagles. "We are thrilled to be working on this initiative with Brandon Whiting, an Eagles legend who proudly represented this organization and the City of Philadelphia during his playing days. We look forward to further engaging with our region's youth athletes, coaches, and administrators through this transformative partnership."
The impact of COVID-19 has presented many challenges for young athletes over the last few years, such as missing out on the positive interactions that sport provides between coach and athlete. A key focus of the partnership is rebuilding those relationships and offering resources that positively impact the lives of children, both on and off the field.
"Coaches have played a huge role in my life. Supporting and believing in me when I've needed it the most," said Brandon Whiting, Senior Partnership and Development Manager, Positive Coaching Alliance. "I couldn't have made my NFL and life goals a reality without great coaches. I will forever be grateful to the mentors of my youth, and to the City of Philadelphia for giving me an opportunity to be part of the Eagles legacy. Having this chance to work with hundreds of Philadelphia youth and high school coaches as they support the next generation of kids is a dream come true."
As part of the initiative, schools, youth programs, and coaches across Philadelphia will participate in Positive Coaching Alliance workshops to expand their learnings in using sports as a tool to teach life skills, character development, and leadership. In addition, the Eagles and PCA will participate together in awarding the PPL Coach of the Year, Athletic Director of the Year, and the Triple-Impact Competitor scholarship, which will recognize two graduating PPL seniors.
"We are excited to continue expanding on our partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance through this new initiative," said Jimmy Lynch Executive Director of the Division of Athletics for The School District of Philadelphia and President of the Philadelphia Public League. "The Eagles' continued support of youth sports development throughout the region has been instrumental in getting our kids back on the field, especially as we continue to recover from COVID-19. This partnership will allow us to bring in national experts and trainers to put on meaningful, engaging, and interactive workshops for our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and parents throughout the league. We can't wait to get started this school year and look forward to recognizing our student leaders throughout the seasons,"
