Building Positive, Powerful Sport Environments in Oregon
At FuturePlay Sport, we live by a bold, transformative standard: “Create positive sport experiences for all.” This isn’t just a slogan. It’s a Non-Negotiable. It defines every decision we make on and off the court. As leaders and pioneers in the Oregon youth sports landscape, we believe that the time has come to elevate expectations — for coaches, parents, spectators, and administrators alike.
We were invited to attended the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Leadership Council Event: A Conversation with Lacey Henderson, Portland Timbers Mental Performance Coach and with PCA Trainer Pete Luedemann. The FuturePlay team, deeply rooted in the methodology of the Positive Coaching Alliance, embraces a research-driven approach that transforms sport into a vehicle for life-shaping character development.
Positive Coaching Is Not Soft
In today’s competitive world, there’s still a pervasive myth that positive coaching is somehow weak. Let us be clear: positive coaching is not soft — it is strong. It’s not about coddling, but about cultivating resilience, responsibility, and respect. It holds athletes to high standards while nurturing their growth as players and people.
Outcome Obsession Is Out
We are moving beyond the “win-at-all-costs” mindset. Focusing solely on outcomes is outdated and short-sighted. Our mission is not just to develop skilled athletes, but to develop good people — confident, cooperative, and capable of handling adversity with poise. We champion development over dominance, and we reward effort, learning, and teamwork above the scoreboard.
Sport Is an Ecosystem — Build It Right
Sport doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s an ecosystem — one where coaches, parents, spectators, and administrators all play critical roles in shaping the emotional and mental experience of young athletes. At FuturePlay, we’re creating sustainable systems that manage stress and pressure in healthy, supportive ways. We are engineering environments where athletes feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and thrive under mentorship, not fear.
A New Standard for Oregon
We’re not just talking about raising the bar — we’re building a whole new one. FuturePlay Sport is setting a precedent in Oregon that sub-par youth sports programs will no longer be acceptable. Our training for coaches is rigorous and values-driven. Our expectations for parental behavior are clear and enforced. Our sideline culture demands positivity and respect. Our administrators are trained to lead with courage, equity, and vision.
We believe excellence in youth sports isn’t about trophies — it’s about culture. And we’re shaping a culture that’s built to last.
Leading by Example
As Oregon’s premier innovator in youth sports, we don’t just follow best practices — we help create them. With FuturePlay, you’re not just participating in a program. You’re joining a movement. A movement where every child, regardless of ability or background, gets to experience the joy, growth, and community that great sport can provide.
We invite everyone — coaches, parents, athletes, fans — to step into this new era with us. Because when we elevate the game for everyone, we all win.