Now Available: Million Coaches Challenge Implementation Study Report

This spring, the American Institutes for Research released Winning Beyond the Game: The Million Coaches Challenge Implementation Study, an independent, multiyear evaluation examining the impact of the Million Coaches Challenge (MCC) – a national effort to equip coaches with the skills needed to support young people both on and off the field.

LiFEsports at The Ohio State University and the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) have played an active role in the MCC cohort since its inception. Through its Coach Beyond initiative, LiFEsports and OHSAA have trained more than 45,000 Ohio coaches, contributed data and evaluation efforts, and helped shape strategies designed to strengthen positive youth development through sport alongside 17 national partner organizations.

“At LiFEsports, we’ve long believed that coaches are among the most influential adults in a young person’s life. The findings from this study reinforce what we’ve seen firsthand across Ohio and beyond – that when coaches receive high-quality training and support, they are better equipped to foster belonging, resilience, life skills, and well-being among the young people they serve,” says Dr. Samantha Bates, LiFEsports Director of Research & Coach Beyond. “What’s especially exciting is that this research demonstrates that coaching education can be scaled while still making a meaningful difference in athletes’ experiences.”

Over four years, Million Coaches Challenge partners trained more than 1 million coaches and contributed to a growing body of evidence about what quality coaching looks like in practice. Drawing on partner interviews, training materials and survey responses from more than 13,800 coaches, the study found:

• 8% of coaches reported that the training helped them become better coaches.
• 66% observed greater joy and enjoyment among the athletes they coach.
• 72% believed athletes were more likely to stay involved in sport because of their coaching practices.

For LiFEsports, the report represents both a milestone and a call to action. As Coach Beyond continues to expand across Ohio and nationally, the findings provide further evidence that investing in coaches is one of the most powerful ways to positively influence the experiences, development, and well-being of young people. 

Read the full report here: Million Coaches Report Template