Coaches Corps

The goal of the Urban Initiatives Coaches Corps (UICC) is to promote the values of academic engagement, health education, physical fitness, character development, and the knowledge of proper sports techniques to students enrolled in the fifth through eighth grade CPS sports programs. Ultimately the goal is to give the student/athletes the tools necessary to succeed in life.

More specifically, the UICC supports the existing CPS sports programs through:

  • Training current CPS athletic coaches in urban coaching best practices and providing a coaching curriculum
  • Providing 10-minute lessons on Urban Initiatives values of health, education, and character to be taught at practices as well as training coaches to use the teachable moments that arise naturally while playing a sport to instill these values
  • Providing support from the Urban Initiatives office including volunteer assistant coaches

Persons interested in volunteering as an Assistant Coach with the UICC should contact julie@urbaninitiatives.org to learn more about this opportunity or to sign up for the spring season.

Volunteer Mentor/Coach Responsibilities

  • Assist the Head Coach with program activities for one or more day(s) per week for one hour for a six-week season.
  • Promote the goal of Urban Initiatives by stressing the importance of academic achievement, physical fitness, health education, and character development.
  • Play and interact with kids during activities.
  • Help set-up and clean-up equipment.
  • Help provide a positive and supportive playing experience for all kids.
  • Encourage teamwork, positive attitudes, having fun, and proper sports skills.
  • Discourage negative attitudes, words, and actions.
  • Be as loud and energetic as possible.
  • Keep an encouraging tone and continually praise kids throughout practice.
  • NOTE: different schools have different needs so volunteer willingness, to do whatever is needed, is desired.

School served this spring

  • Johnson School of Excellence - 1420 South Albany Avenue (North Lawndale)
  • Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy - 2231 North Central Avenue (Belmont Cragin)

Sports offered this spring - too be determined

  • Softball
  • Track

Spring training date and location

March 9, 2010 from 4:30-7:00pm at the Urban Initiatives office - 650 W Lake Street, #340