Preliminary Findings from the Implementation Study
The MCC Implementation Study reveals how Partners are transforming youth sports by training coaches in youth development practices and aligning on a shared standard for what makes a “good” coach.
Winning Beyond the Game
A well-trained coach can transform a young athlete’s experience—building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game. Yet, across the U.S., coaching remains fragmented and under-supported, with no national standards guiding training. MCC Partners are working to change that by training 1 million coaches in youth development practices by the end of 2025.
Preliminary findings from the MCC Implementation Study, led by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), reveal:
✔ 93% of coaches agreed training had an influence on building their confidence
✔ 94% believe all coaches should receive foundational youth development-related practices
✔ 71% of coaches believe their participation in training made athletes more likely to stay in sports
In addition to training over 730,000 coaches, MCC Partners are coming together around a shared definition of what it means to be a “good” coach—prioritizing relationship-building, athlete well-being, and inclusive coaching practices.
What’s Next? Five Key Actions for the Youth Sports Field
The MCC Implementation Study highlights critical actions to strengthen youth sports:
- Define and adopt a national standard for what it means to be a “good” coach
- Ensure coach training reflects best practices in youth development
- Expand access to high-quality, comprehensive training
- Invest in policy and funding to professionalize coaching
- Improve research and measurement of coaching effectiveness
Utilize this communications toolkit to share the preliminary findings.
About the MCC Implementation Study
The MCC implementation study is led by the American Institutes for Research® (AIR®) in collaboration with the MCC Partners. The study was designed to track coaches trained through the MCC while elevating Partner insights, documenting their journeys, analyzing training offerings, and exploring the influence of trainings on coaches. The implementation study uses a mixed-methods approach, with multiple methods and data sources, including analysis of Partner training participation and demographic data, a coach perception survey, annual interviews with MCC Partners, and a comprehensive document review of Partner training materials.
The brief provides early insight into key lessons learned from the MCC through December 31, 2024. The MCC is ongoing through 2025 and a full technical report from the implementation study is forthcoming.