California has reached a milestone in its efforts to improve youth sports culture, with over 25,000 coaches completing training in positive youth development practices. Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the achievement on National Coaches Day, highlighting the state’s leadership in fostering supportive environments for young athletes.
“I’m so proud to share that more than 25,000 California coaches have completed the 25×25 Challenge. As both a former student-athlete and a mom of four kids in competitive sports, I know how much the culture around youth sports shapes childhood. For too long, that culture has leaned on pressure, high costs, and exclusion. With this achievement, we’re proving that youth sports can be about joy, growth, and belonging. Thanks to the commitment of our partners across the state, thousands of young athletes in California will carry with them not just skills for the game, but confidence and resilience for life!” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Governor Gavin Newsom added: “As parents and athletes ourselves, Jen and I have firsthand experience of the role sports can play in shaping kids’ lives, and the impact of sports on their physical and mental health. As we’re seeing increasing levels of disconnectedness and mental health concerns, sports are a hugely important tool for helping kids develop teamwork, confidence, and physical and mental health. Coaches are critical to that experience, acting as role models, and offering guidance and encouragement. So 25,000 California coaches equipped with the tools to best support young people both on and off the field? That’s a game changer.”
The 25×25 California Coaches Challenge was launched one year ago with a goal to train 25,000 coaches by year’s end. The initiative focuses on equipping coaches with strategies centered around youth well-being—such as creating safe spaces for all participants and coaching with empathy.
To reach this target number of trained coaches statewide by December 2025 at no cost to participants, state leaders partnered with organizations including the California Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being as well as Susan Crown Exchange’s Million Coaches Challenge (MCC). Training is provided through MCC partners Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) and Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS), who work alongside local schools, parks systems, community groups, and club teams across California.
According to state officials—and consistent with national trends—physical activity rates among children are falling; only half of California’s youth participate in organized sports activities. About 70% drop out before high school age. The aim of this challenge is to reverse these trends by making youth sport more inclusive so children remain engaged longer.
The Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind campaign—launched by the Governor’s Advisory Council in 2023—offers resources designed to encourage physical activity at all ages while promoting mental wellness throughout communities statewide.
Meanwhile,the Million Coaches Challenge seeks broader change nationwide by aiming to train one million coaches in effective youth development practices by 2025 so that all young athletes have access regardless of background or ability status.
