Why coach training matters — and what we’re doing about it

Across the country, youth sports are at a crossroads — and Clackamas County is no exception. While participation in basketball and volleyball is booming, the infrastructure, coaching pipelines, and athlete development systems haven't kept pace. Players are driving long distances for tournaments. Coaches are under-supported. Parents are burned out. And worst of all — promising athletes are falling through the cracks.

We believe there’s a better way. That’s why we’re building FuturePlay Sports Complex — a next-generation, for-profit athletic facility designed to set a new standard for youth and amateur sports.

And we’re not just building courts.
We’re building coaches, leaders, and a foundation for athlete success that lasts far beyond game day.

The Coach is the Cornerstone

A recent case study on coach education in youth basketball and volleyball reveals a powerful truth:

“When coaches are trained, kids stay. When they’re not, kids quit.”

That single insight underscores what families, leagues, and researchers have long known: a qualified, supported coach is the most powerful predictor of athlete retention, growth, and enjoyment.

  • With trained coaches, athlete dropout rates fall from 26% to just 5%.

  • Trained coaches deliver safer practices, better fundamentals, and more positive environments.

  • Parents overwhelmingly trust programs that invest in coach development.

At FuturePlay, we’re building on this evidence. Our facility will serve not just as a space to play — but as a regional training hub for coaches. We’re integrating USA Basketball and USA Volleyball certification programs, continuing education workshops, mentorship systems, and tools for film review, practice planning, and leadership growth.

🚨 The Coaching Crisis is Real — and Fixable

There’s a nationwide shortage of youth coaches. According to the National Recreation and Park Association:

  • 82% of agencies report a shortage of qualified coaches.

  • Less than one-third of current youth coaches have recent training.

  • Volunteer participation has fallen sharply post-pandemic.

These trends are threatening the health of youth sports. Without coaches, teams dissolve. Leagues shrink. And the entire ecosystem weakens.

FuturePlay is stepping in to turn this crisis into an opportunity. Our plan includes:

  • Free or subsidized training access for local volunteers and assistants

  • Mentorship programs pairing experienced coaches with new leaders

  • Co-coaching models that welcome women, high school athletes, and underrepresented groups

  • Facility access and admin support to ease the burden on busy coaches

By offering a structured, high-quality pathway for coaching development, FuturePlay will help rebuild the bench and raise the bar.

A Facility Designed for Excellence

At the core of FuturePlay is a physical space that reflects this leadership mindset. The complex will feature:

  • 8 NCAA-grade basketball

  • 20 Indoor volleyball courts

  • 4 outdoor beach courts

  • Performance training and recovery services

  • Private team rooms and coach meeting spaces

  • Streaming and video analysis tools

  • Certification classroom space

This facility isn’t just a gym — it’s a complete ecosystem where athletes can develop year-round, coaches can grow, and entire programs can scale their impact.

Elite Training + Community Roots = Long-Term Impact

We’re not just building for the top 1% — we’re raising the standard for everyone.

That means:

  • Developing elite athletes with access to high-level tools and training

  • Supporting community clubs and rec leagues with reliable court time and coaching help

  • Providing clear coach education pipelines to create consistency and continuity

  • Giving parents and players a facility that feels professional, inclusive, and welcoming

We believe in building a profitable, scalable model that also delivers measurable value to our community.

The Future is Now — Let’s Build It Together

Clackamas County’s athletes, coaches, and families deserve better. They deserve:

  • Modern facilities

  • Trained, supported coaches

  • Safe, competitive environments

  • A central hub to call their own

FuturePlay Sports Complex will be that hub — and we’re actively inviting community stakeholders, coaches, and investors to get involved.

If you're a:

  • Coach looking to grow

  • Club seeking space

  • Brand or business aligned with youth sports

  • Investor ready to back a smart, in-demand facility
    👉 We want to talk.

✉️ Stay in the Loop — or Help Us Lead

Join our interest list to stay informed as we finalize designs, secure partnerships, and begin pre-construction planning. You’ll be the first to hear about investment opportunities, coach training sessions, and facility previews.

🔗 Follow us on Instagram @futureplaysportsor
📩 Contact: micah@futureplaysports.info

Let’s build a place where youth sports can thrive again — and where every coach, player, and parent knows:

This is what it should have always been.

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