Way of Champions Podcast

#473 Jason Sacks, CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance, on Educating One Million Coaches and Making Systemic Change in Youth Sports

Mar 19, 2026
Jason Sacks, CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance and longtime youth-sports leader, discusses transforming youth sports culture. He covers coach and parent education, building coalitions for access and safety, systems for sustaining positive culture, recruiting and retaining diverse volunteer coaches, and practical development strategies like small-sided games. The conversation focuses on scalable, community-driven change.
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INSIGHT

Coaching Has Evolved From Fear To Relationship

  • Youth coaching has changed radically since PCA began and today's great coaches evolve beyond fear-based methods.
  • Jason Sacks contrasts 1998 militant coaching with modern coaches like Steve Kerr who use joy, compassion, and relationship-building for results.
INSIGHT

Interpersonal Skills Trump Sport Knowledge Early On

  • Coaching newcomers often fear they lack sport knowledge, but interpersonal skills matter equally for impact.
  • John and Jason note many first-year volunteers worry about Xs and Os, yet connecting and creating belonging drives retention and enjoyment.
ADVICE

Prioritize Psychological Safety For Performance

  • Create an environment where athletes feel safe, seen, heard, and valued to maximize performance.
  • Jason Sacks explains that belonging and psychological safety directly improve effort, teamwork, and long-term retention in youth sports.
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