Athletics has been a big part of my life, from competing as a child to my career path. I had tremendous role models growing up who helped me realize the positive aspects of youth sports.

As a parent of a youth athlete (and first-time soccer coach this Fall), I see the challenges kids, parents and coaches face. When I tell people where I work, I invariably get the following response: "We sure could use PCA at our league/club/school."

Youth sports has the opportunity to teach so many life lessons - teamwork, work ethic, dealing with success/failure - that it's a shame more than 70% of kids drop out of youth sports by the time they're 13. Please help Positive Coaching Alliance spread the message about the need for creating a positive culture in youth sports, where win-at-all-cost coaches become the minority.

I'm asking for your support to help create Better Athletes, Better People. Even better, your donation, if made by December 31, 2012, will be matched.

Thank you for your support.

Ripper