Women’s sports have come a long way in just a few years, with incredible female athletes getting more shoe deals, more magazine covers, and more media coverage. However, it’s still not equal: only 6% of media coverage goes to women’s sports.
Who do our young female and gender-expansive athletes turn to when they can’t always see female athletes in the media? Well, to coaches of course. One coach we know well is Mike Sylvia, who serves as Technical Director and Coach for Paisley Athletic. In order to support his athletes in all the ways they need, Coach Mike is working with Girls Leadership and Keep Her in the Game. Learn more about his path to coaching and how he’s working not just to help but to tailor that help to his players’ unique needs.
- What inspires you to coach youth sports?
I coach youth sports because I am deeply grateful for the positive impact soccer has had on my life. This gratitude drives me to give back by sharing the gifts that soccer has given me with the younger generation. I feel a strong calling to help nurture and guide the sport within my community.
- What motivated you to take this program?
My involvement in Keep Her In The Game stems from the concerning statistics about the drop-off rates in female athletics. As a father to a daughter who plays soccer, I am motivated to enhance my skills in connecting with young athletes, especially as they navigate crucial transitions in their lives. Reflecting on my own upbringing, raised by a single mother, I recognize the profound influence that coaches had on my development. I aspire to provide similar support to others, guiding them through these pivotal stages as both athletes and individuals.
- What are you hoping to get out of this program?
My goal is to refine my ability to connect with the female athletes I coach. I aim to meet them where they are, offering support, positivity, and effective coaching tailored to their unique experiences and needs.
- What do you hope your athletes will get out of this program?
Ultimately, I hope the players I coach through the Keep Her In The Game initiative are empowered with the confidence to understand their value and recognize that their challenges—such as comparing themselves, facing high expectations, and grappling with body image—are shared by many. I want to equip them with the tools to not only navigate these challenges but also to thrive during these formative years.
If you coach youth sports, sign up for our professional development workshops Belonging in Sports, which include lessons you can use right away. Also, check out our full collection of 26 Free Social-Emotional Check-ins.
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