The Northampton Parks & Recreation Department (NPRD) was one of 39 communities in the country that were recently awarded a grant through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to partner with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to provide training for coaches of youth sports. Through the Million Coaches Challenge initiative, NRPA’s goal is to train 30,000 youth sports coaches in positive youth development across the country. NPRD announced it is delighted to be able to partner with NRPA and PCA to offer training sessions in Northampton.

PCA is a national non-profit working to provide all youth and high school athletes a positive, character-building sports experience. PCA’s mission is to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience. NPRD said it is thrilled to be able to offer these training sessions to local coaches.

The second free training session is right around the corner. On Saturday, Nov. 16, the winter sports season will kick off with PCA’s training titled “Culture Building: Honoring the game,” at Northampton Elks Club from 9 to 11 a.m. It’s a highly interactive coaching workshop. In addition to becoming a PCA certified coach, NPRD will offer free child care, raffles and light refreshments for all participants. Whether a seasoned coach or new to coaching, the training is for anybody. Pre-registration is required to attend and can be completed online at www.northamptonma.gov/recreation.

NPRD is offering free child care to any coach who is participating in the training. Child care will be at JFK Middle School from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and children must be pre-registered.

For more information, contact NPRD at recreation@northamptonma.gov or 413-587-1040.