Testing Our Train-the-Trainer Model Through a Full School Year

Drive4Change is testing the next phase of its shared-coach and train-the-trainer model through a full fall-and-spring school-year beta with a First Tee coach.

At Ile Omode—our year-round working laboratory—the coach will move through a competency-based progression: observe, assist, lead under supervision and lead independently. The goal is not simply to complete eight sessions or a set number of hours. The standard is the ability to deliver the model safely, effectively and consistently.

We evaluate safety first, followed by teaching and coaching methodology, program structure, communication, player development and overall relatability. Candidates with coaching or youth-development experience may move more quickly; newer candidates will require more observation and supervised coaching hours.

This beta will give us a full calendar of data to determine appropriate minimum requirements for future D4C-certified coaches. Once a candidate demonstrates competency in each area, D4C can approve them to deliver the model independently while remaining connected for continuing education, quality assurance and support.

The larger objective is a practical workforce and program-expansion model: develop more qualified coaches, keep talented coaches working across complementary schedules and bring consistent youth programming to more schools and communities without lowering standards.