Collaborative Community Coaching ( C 3 ) ™ Values-based leadership for children in sport, recreation and education

Today’s Situation Children are much less active than they were 30 years ago. Obesity levels are increasing. New technology is changing children’s leisure habits. There are more and more reports of poor sportsmanship and violence in children’s recreation and sport.

What is Collaborative Community Coaching? C3 is founded on democratic principles, fair play, the development of positive values, and building community through sport. It is an approach to children’s recreation and sport that encourages children, parents, and leaders/coaches to value play, flow and creativity in recreation and sport programs. Skill acquisition is encouraged through a child-centred movement education approach to learning and the development of abilities.

C3 is developed and sustained by democratic processes A democratic group believes that all members should be treated equally and respectfully. Sport and recreation are excellent arenas for a child to learn and practice small group democracy. Social contracting is the key to constructing and sustaining democracy.

Values and character are at the heart of C3 C3 gives leaders tools to promote positive values such as respect, fairness and responsibility. Encouraging children to do their best in the face of challenges helps build character, resilience and supports self-determination. Designing recreation and sport promoting diversity, inclusiveness and fairness, guide C3 planning and activities.

C3 fosters a strong and respectful sense of community “Community” refers to any group of people whose members feel connected to one another - teams, leagues, neighbourhoods. Community is about creating, experiencing, and celebrating shared purpose. Recreation and sport can be powerful vehicles for the development of a community.

Why is play this important ? Children have a need to play and learn new skills based on intrinsic motivation. A child’s play experience is very closely connected to the concept of flow. Children playing soccer on the beaches of Brazil or skipping rope in a Canadian playground get caught up the in the sheer delight of playing. Children’s opportunities to play are steadily eroding in Canada. Children need regular play for healthy growth and development and to experience a sense of mastery.

Benefits of C3 Children, leaders and parents will enjoy their sport and recreation experience and stay involved longer, resulting in a more active, healthier lifestyle. Children develop social, physical and moral reasoning skills. Activities are child- centred and children take more ownership. Increasing children’s physical and emotional safety will lead to their feeling competent, welcome and valued.

Who is involved with C3? C3 was created by Alison Jones, Michael McLenaghen, and Steve Musson. They and other associates such as Ian Curry are working together with organizations to continue C3’s use locally and across the country. C3 is flexible and has been successfully piloted and implemented within sport, recreation, education settings, with increased participation rates of %. C3 can be used to strengthen existing programs or implemented as the foundation of new programs. For workshop information, please contact: