Coach Across America (CAA) was launched as the first AmeriCorps program to use sports as a model to address health and wellness among at-risk youth. CAA recruits, trains and supports a national workforce of coaches that teach low-income youth the joy of regular physical activity and the importance of healthy eating and nutrition.

CAA is building the capacity of organizations across the country. Since its inception, 230 CAA members have served more than 34,000 youth in 100 low-income communities. More than 15,000 of these youth were new recruits to their physical activity program. At the end of the first program year, 90% percent of the youth served expressed a greater awareness of the importance of physical activity and a desire to live a healthy lifestyle. In addition, 81% of the coaches planned to remain active in health promotion and youth development upon completion of their service year.

The coaches and their stories are the proof. Maria Ponce is currently serving her 2nd term with Coach Across America and has not only changed her life but is changing the physical activity and nutrition habits of children in the community. Maria’s supervisor states, “Maria has brought a missing ingredient that has paid huge dividends in our community. Maria has had an ongoing battle with weight and diabetes; since joining [our program], she has lost a considerable amount of weight and changed her eating and activity habits. She has eliminated the need for her previously prescribed diabetes medications. Maria embodies the potential for change that we pursue!”

The successes range from a 9th grader losing more than 40 pounds (and persuading his mom to switch from white bread to whole wheat bread ) to an 8th grader who now chooses pretzels over chips and water over soda to a 4th grader who lost 25 pounds and overcame her battle with childhood obesity. In each case, the catalyst is the same – the Coach Across America workforce is getting the message through to these kids and changing their habits and lives.

One coach shares: "An obese boy recently came out to practice. We encouraged him to give everything he had every practice. After 4 weeks, he has lost 25+ pounds. His improved self-confidence and sense of self-worth have improved his grades and his interactions with other players." Another coach overheard a student telling her mother “That’s my coach. He’s the reason I am exercising and watching the junk food I eat.”

These examples are not exceptions, but represent the norm for kids being given the opportunity to play. Not only are the kids benefiting, but CAA is expanding opportunities to serve. CAA member Arway Boker states: “Having grown up in an inner-city environment and as a previous recipient of social services, I understand the importance of volunteerism in promoting community development. I love the idea of using sports to encourage youth empowerment."

CAA is making a major contribution to the well- being of youth as coaches serving as role models are inspiring long-term behavioral change.