"The children have the opportunity to socialize with their peers in a structured, positive, and fun way. Furthermore and most importantly, the elementary students are building relationships with the Middle/High School mentor coaches and in turn the coaches are given the chance to be seen as positive role models in their community. It's a WIN-WIN for all involved."
- Physical Education Teacher
"You taught me that it's not all about the X's and O's of the game, but understanding your players and teaching them the right way to play. You taught me that it's not the numbers on the scoreboard at the end of the game that designate who won, rather, if you played hard and had fun. It's not about winning or losing but playing as a unit, a core group with an unbreakable bond, it's about.... a team."
- PC Participant
"Having seen at first hand the developmental growth in high schoolers who have coached and mentored elementary school-aged students in some of Springfield's most underserved neighborhoods, I am convinced that the program has helped to sharpen many key assets in our youth, and I look forward to many more years of collaboration with the Project Coach organization."
- Principal
"Project Coach has organized teams of students within the school to play organized sports, something that very few would have had the occasion to participate in without this program. The staff that organizes the program has not only provided athletic expertise but also the life skills of teamwork, dependability, and effort. Then teens that worked within the program displayed outstanding leadership that gave the elementary youths role models to emulate. This is invaluable as they progress along their developmental continuum. Family participation in Project Coach has provided additional opportunities for parent engagement in the school community within a venue that is not solely academic. For many families this has enabled them to build trust with the school and has been a grounding force toward future involvement."
- Principal
"During the short time I have been involved in this program I can see the positive effects it has had on our underserved youth in this area. The students that have been involved have grown tremendously. By coaching, they have become confident and responsible."
-Department Head, Physical Education
"As a parent I have to pay thanks to all of you...This year the program taught my son to be responsible and develop his leadership."
- PC Parent
"Project Coach has taught me leadership and how to be a role model to the little kids. It benefits me because I learn new things...It has kept me organized and helped my focus skills to improve. I have a positive attitude with my other peers and give them a lot of respect."
- PC Participant
