TAFISA Joins Coach the Dream: Future of Youth Sport Summit

On 2 - 5 September, TAFISA participated in the Coach the Dream: Future of Youth Sport Summit in Paris hosted by Nike. Fiona Johnson, a TAFISA Board member, and Game Mothibi, TAFISA’s Senior Manager responsible for the Nike-supported Girls Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway, represented TAFISA at this significant gathering.

Nike underscored its commitment to the next generation through the Coach the Dream: Future of Youth Sport Summit, held alongside the Paralympic Games. Over four days at Sport dans la Ville's new campus, the summit brought together 35 partners and more than 70 coaching experts and community leaders to shape the next chapter of inclusive youth sport and coaching.

“Coaching is Nike’s heritage and future, and we know the positive impact coaches have on youth,” says Vanessa Garcia-Brito, VP, Chief Impact Officer, NIKE, Inc. “Together with our community partners, we’re powering the future of youth sport to improve sport access and experience. The world needs more coaches who reflect the kids and communities they serve, and we’re excited to continue investing in this work in Paris and around the world.”

Leading experts, community leaders, and international organizations collaborated on strategies to address some of the most pressing challenges facing youth sports today. Key topics included the need for more inclusive coaching practices, innovative approaches to increasing access to sport and physical activity, and ensuring the safety and well-being of youth. The summit provided a vital platform for sharing knowledge, exploring new approaches, and envisioning a future where every young person, regardless of background, has access to high-quality, inclusive, and safe sports coaching.

TAFISA’s Highlight: Girls Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway

TAFISA’s presence at the summit highlighted its ongoing work through the Girls Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway, a project supported by Nike. This initiative focuses on training coaches to become role models and mentors for young girls in sports, ensuring that they have safe and positive experiences. Currently being implemented in over 24 countries, the project aims to break down barriers to female participation in sport by creating environments where girls feel safe, empowered, and supported.

Inspiration from the Paralympic Games

In addition to the summit, Johnson and Mothibi had the opportunity to attend events at the Paralympic Games in Paris, courtesy of Nike. This provided a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of athletes who overcome significant barriers to compete on the world stage. The Paralympic Games exemplify the spirit of inclusivity that both TAFISA and the Coach the Dream Summit strive to promote. 

TAFISA’s participation in the Coach the Dream: Future of Youth Sport Summit underscored the organization’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible future for youth sports. Through initiatives like the Girls Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway, TAFISA continues to play a vital role in empowering future generations of athletes and coaches around the world.