Lead with heart — starting with youth. Leadership training for athletes, coaches, parents, and sport administrators.
Youth athletes deserve the same quality of professional development that transforms adult professionals. Our Essential Firsts certificates build leadership skills through sport-based learning — with contributions from some of the best experts who are deeply committed to our youth.
Designed for 5th-8th grade athletes
Leadership certificates for 5th-8th graders. Grounded in sport.
What if youth could earn certificates in leadership skills — the same way they practice layups or perfect their swing? Sport is our classroom. Leadership is what they're learning.
Team First, Friend First, Mindset First, Effort First, and more
Belonging → Discovery → Empathy → Choices → Reflection
Updates along the way help you see your child's growing resilience, leadership, and confidence
"Girls Can Do Anything" launches with Upper Arlington Softball Association
Building leaders through sport
🚀 First Pilot: February 2026
Co-created with student athletes
Youth deserve great leadership. Our certificate programs give coaches, volunteers, and administrators the practical tools and professional development they need to make youth sport a powerful experience.
Explore our certificate programs below
A practical foundation for those who make youth and community sport possible.
A comprehensive training program designed for coaches, parents, and volunteers in youth sports.
The Youth Sport Leadership Certificate is a six-module professional development program for coaches, volunteers, and administrators who want to strengthen both the people side and the process side of leading a youth sports organization.
It's the handbook I wish I had — a practical, accessible course that blends leadership principles with the real-world essentials of running a league.
Building positive team and league culture
Communicating with players, parents, and volunteers
Managing schedules, budgets, and safety procedures
Integrating technology and communication tools
Working effectively with community partners and sponsors
Promoting equity, ethics, and inclusion in youth sport
By the end of the program, participants will complete the first draft of their own League Handbook — a working document that captures their league's mission, policies, operations, and communication plan.
This foundational certificate is the first in a growing suite of Leadership Through Sport offerings. Future courses include:
Each course builds upon this foundation, allowing you to deepen your skills and earn additional stackable credentials as you grow.
From presentations to coach-development workshops, Sarah Lathrop brings decades of experience in education, leadership, and community sport. Sessions inspire practical leadership rooted in empathy, clarity, and connection — tailored for schools, athletic organizations, and community programs.
Each event is customized for the audience and designed to leave participants energized and equipped to lead.
Request InformationLeadership Through Sport partners with schools and community organizations to strengthen leadership, culture, and operational excellence. Consulting services combine practical experience with research-informed design — always grounded in empathy, clarity, and collaboration.
Tailored partnerships designed to meet your organization's unique needs and goals.
Book a Consultation