Conference focuses on coaches as mentors

Conference focuses on coaches as mentors
Conference focuses on coaches as mentors

Conference focuses on coaches as mentors

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Young people, especially those who grow up in violent neighborhoods, need mentors. Parents, teachers and community leaders can all fill that role. But so can coaches. Last year the Dept. of Justice awarded the organization Up2Us $1 million to train youth sports coaches how to empower kids with tools of self-confidence, positivity and physical activity in an effort to steer them from violent and anti-social behavior. Up2Us trained six coaches here in Chicago, and the group is leading workshops today to pass along more of those skills. Up2Us Chief Program Officer Megan Bartlett explains how coaches can play a crucial role in curbing bad behavior. (Flickr/campdarby)