As we consider the role that athletic administrators and coaches play in the lives of young people, it’s critical that we do our own inside work and find our voice. Sports have always been a metaphor for social change, and have served to elevate the inherent value and worth of every human being. Now more…
Recent News
Staying Connected: InSideOut Opportunities in the Coming Weeks
The InSideOut Initiative exists to support and equip school communities across the country in making transformational culture change that prioritizes the well-being of student-athletes. We want to assure you of the steps we’re taking to keep our communities safe, and about some upcoming opportunities that will help our partners stay connected—to each other, and to…
Vikings Support InSideOut Initiative’s Transformative Efforts
MINNEAPOLIS — Winning isn’t everything. NOR is it the only thing. This revision on an old saying is paraphrasing the message of the InSideOut Initiative, which officially launched in Minnesota on Monday when dozens of school administrators at the district, school and school board levels gathered for a one-day forum. Minnesota is the 14th state and 17th NFL market…
InSideOut Initiative Kicks Off Where it All Began
On February 10, the InSideOut Initiative officially launched in Minnesota with a wide range of partners, including the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), the NFL Foundation and statewide education leadership associations, such as MSBA, MASA, MASSP, MNIAAA, and Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA). Vikings Youth Football Manager Madison Cortese…
InSideOut Initiative Officially Launches in Minnesota in Partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and the NFL Foundation
The InSideOut Initiative—a nonprofit aimed at transforming the “win-at-all-costs” sports culture in communities across the country—will launch February 10 in Minnesota, in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), NFL Foundation and statewide education leadership associations including MSBA, MASA, MASSP, MNIAAA, and Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA). Powered by…
On Going Pro
Less than 3% of high school athletes will go on to play college athletics. Of those college athletes, less than 1% will ever play sports professionally. Yet youth sports has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry that can foster an unhealthy and pressure-filled environment for student-athletes and can place unrealistic expectations on them. The reality is,…
After The Game
After a difficult loss or disappointing performance, what student athletes need most from their parents and families is motivation, support, and a listening ear—not criticism. As one student said, “If I mess up, I know I messed up, so you telling me that is not necessarily going to help.” It’s important that parents remember their…
Parental Pressure
For some students, having their parents on the sidelines or in the stands during a game can make for a pressure-filled experience. Students may even tell their parents not to come in order to eliminate that pressure, allowing them to actually have fun and enjoy playing the game. When parents set aside their expectations and…
Failure is Necessary
We believe a student athlete’s success isn’t defined by the number on the scoreboard at the end of the game, but rather by the fun they had playing, the relationship they made, and the values they learned along the way. Failure is inevitable, and it provides an opportunity for growth and development that will prepare…
InSideOut Initiative Kicks Off In Virginia
On December 2nd, in partnership with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, Virginia High School League, and the NFL Foundation, educational and athletic leaders from across the region gathered to build consensus on reclaiming the educational purpose of sports and set the stage for implementation of the InSideOut Initiative in Virginia. Communities must align around a…