How Coaches Can Build Safe, Trusting Relationships by Guest Post Positive Coaching Alliance October 31, 2025 | 0 minutes, 53 seconds read Positive Coaching Alliance Check out more Positive Coaching Alliance video content on the Positive Coaching Alliance SportsEngine Play Channel Building safe, trusting relationships with and amongst your athletes is the foundation for creating a Positive Youth Sports Culture. These relationships have many benefits, including helping athletes… Make friends more easily Collaborate more effectively Perform at a higher level Experience improved mental health Feel safer Take on challenges without fear of failure Engage more fully in learning Increase their effort To create these safe and trusting relationships with their athletes, coaches can: Learn names quickly – ask athlete their preferred name and call them by that name Get to know each athlete as an individual – be curious, ask open ended questions, and reflect on any personal biases that may be affecting your interactions Use informal pre- and post-practice time to connect – move around the space to connect with all athletes Reflect on your own assumptions when evaluating athletes skills and areas for growth. Focus on behavior, technical skills, and process, versus the person. Create empathetic connections by listening to understand your players’ experiences About Positive Coaching Alliance PCA’s vision is to build a world where every child benefits from a positive youth sports experience with a coach who inspires them to become the best version of themselves in the game and in life. PCA trains coaches and partners with youth sports organizations, parents, sports leaders, and communities to make youth sports more positive, equitable, and accessible to all kids regardless of social or economic circumstances. For more information, go to positivecoach.org > Read the full article at Positive Coaching Alliance tags in this article Coaches Corner Issues & Advice