PCA frequently receives heartfelt testimonials from coaches and parents we reach through our live group workshops and online courses. Here is the latest and greatest, received by e-mail last week:

 

Hello,

 

My name is Michael McPeck. I am a Little League Girls Fastpitch Softball coach in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. This year our team went undefeated in the regular season, 15-0. And our 9/10 All-Stars placed second in our district, losing a tough 4-0 game against a very talented pitcher. 

 

This past Monday night was our league's Awards Dinner. I was totally surprised and thrilled to receive the last award of the evening, The Coach of the Year award. Besides giving much credit to the players and their parents, I must also credit PCA.

 

This was the first year that I took the course and became certified. From our first player/parent/coach meeting in April I have followed, and more importantly, believed in the Double-Goal approach. I am convinced that our success was based on the application of such philosophies as Honoring the Game, Effort Goals, etc. It is these concepts that have built the talent level of our team and allowed our success.

 

I was most proud of our team during and after our loss in the district finals. They truly played with focus and gave 100% effort. After the game they held their heads high and were celebrating the fact that they played so well. They never lamented their loss. In fact, if you saw them interacting with the other team after the game you would think we won. I guess they listened to their coaches, at least a little bit. For that I am most proud. 

 

Thank you PCA for a wonderful program. I know it works and will encourage my fellow coaches to join the PCA "team."

Mike

 

Thanks for the advice you shared in response to last week's "Ask PCA" question on cell phone policies. This week, we hit on another hot-button issue that strikes at the heart of the values coaches and parents can instill in youth through sports.

 

"There's a parent of a U12 soccer team player paying kids $5 for every goal they score. What's your take on this?"
-- Jerry Nichols, Vail, CO

 
Click here to answer this question on the "Ask PCA" blog.  

 
To read all responses to the previous "Ask PCA" question -- "Establishing Cell Phone Policies" -- including PCA's response, click here.