Coach Bulletin

Coaches, 

We know that so many of you and our poet-athletes are navigating impossible circumstances. The weight of this moment, and the reality of burnout are real. We want to acknowledge that. Please know that we see you, we value you, and we are committed to walking alongside you.

In response to your thoughtful feedback across all wards, we’ve been working to ensure that equity lives not just in our words, but in our actions, from the curriculum, supplies, and uniforms, to game day equipment, transportation, and the emotional safety of our poet-athletes. Any pivots we’ve made this season are grounded in the lived experiences and feedback of those facing the deepest challenges. This is what it means to build with, not just for, our community.

As we head to finish this season, here are a few reminders on updates we shared:

Weekly Gameday Debrief Emails

Started last week, your Site Manager will send a weekly game day debrief with:

• Glows: What went well and lifted your team up

• Grows: What to focus on during your next next game

These reflections will help us ensure we are celebrating your hardwork and growing together, rooted in genuine love and support.

New Uniform Policy

Please review the updated uniform policy which is critical to ensure clear identification in public spaces to be better prepared for emergencies.

Action Items:

• We still have tickets left for DCU’s Kid’s Day on Wednesday, May 14th! Don't miss out! Request tickets by Monday, May 5th to secure your team’s spot!Request tickets HERE. Please check in with your coach team to ensure you make only one team request. Read more about Kid’s Day and DCU Game protocols and waivers, HERE.

• It's hard to believe, but we’re almost to the end of the season, so here’s a friendly reminder that Service Learning Final Reflection Videos and Mini Grant Receipts are due on Friday, May 23rd, which can be submitted here.

• Service Learning End of the Year Parties are coming up! DC SCORES invites coaches to celebrate their teams through an end of the year party where staff will provide treats and giveaways for your teams prior to your celebrations. Coaches can also purchase food and drinks for your teams and get reimbursed up to $100, so keep your receipts and submit them to your site manager. Please let us know when you plan on celebrating so we can make every effort to celebrate with you and be sure to take lots of pictures!

• RSVP for ES Jamboree here.

Thank you for being such a vital part of this work. We will continue refining our processes and policies to better match the needs of the communities we serve, because you and our poet-athletes deserve our very best.

Visit the Coach Resource 

Coach Spotlight

Bancroft Elementary Raises $2,130 for CARECEN DC

The Bancroft Bengals hosted a soccer tournament for their service-learning project, donating the proceeds to CARECEN DC, whose mission is to "foster the comprehensive development of the Latino population by providing direct services while promoting grassroots empowerment, civic engagement, and human rights advocacy."

"Bancroft coaches did an amazing job ensuring that not just members of the team, but the school as a whole and the surrounding community were able to participate in their project to raise money for a really important cause."

- Meg Grieve

Program Coordinator and Site Manager at Bancroft Elementary School

Hey Coaches!

We're halfway through the season, and you know what that means — Midseason Training is here! As part of our strategic vision, we’ve been deepening our focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Community Building across all of our programming. Many of you asked for more tools to support youth mental health and emotional well-being, and we heard you.

We’ve been hard at work updating our coach training priorities, developing new resources, and building new partnerships. This Midseason Training continues that momentum with brand-new virtual offerings, including:

 Mental Health is as Important as Physical Health

 Emotional Intelligence & Critical Thinking Skills

 Special Training with Positive Coaching Alliance (for soccer coaches only)

You’ll receive a separate stipend for each training you attend.

Action Items:

• RSVP by April 23 for Spring Midseason Training → [Fill out the form here]

• Soccer coaches: Be sure to RSVP for the soccer-specific session in addition to any other training.

• Review expectations & stipends for the FY25 Coach SEL Tiered Training Pilot → [Details here]

• Know how to show up for virtual trainings → [Virtual Training Expectations here]

• RSVP for ES Jamboree here.

• RSVP for SCORE Awards 2025 here.

We are so grateful for your continued growth and dedication. When you grow, our youth grow, and that’s what this work is all about. 

Let’s keep showing up, learning, and leading the way.

Tierra Stewart

Chief Program Officer, DC SCORES

Watch the Reel

Read the Post

Coaches, as we step onto the field each gameday, remember that your leadership sets the tone for our poet-athletes and the entire community. Whether you’re coaching, competing, or cheering from the sidelines, we all have a role in ensuring a positive and respectful game day experience.

Fair Play Talk: Setting the Standard

Before every competition, a DC SCORES staff member will lead both teams in the Fair Play Talk to reinforce our shared commitment to respect, teamwork, and fair play. We encourage you to bring these principles into your team huddles and practices to build consistency throughout the season.

Best Practices for Gameday Success

• Create consistency – Use the Fair Play Talk and community-building principles at practices and games to guide your team’s behavior and reflections. Get started here. 

• Engage families and spectators – A supportive gameday environment starts with clear communication. Share Fair Play expectations with families so they understand how to positively contribute to the experience. Refer them to our Gameday Expectations for Families | Expectativas de Días de Juegos para Familias for guidance.

 Read it here: Fair Play Talk Gameday Checklist 

Action Item:

• It’s time to complete your Service Learning Project Proposals and Mini Grant Application! Project Proposals are necessary for us to anticipate what support is needed from sites and to help keep you on track throughout the season. The Mini Grant reimburses coaches up to $100 for each site for any supplies purchased to complete your Service Learning Project. It’s easy to fill out, but be prepared to include a simple budget of items you're planning on purchasing with estimated dollar amounts. Please complete this by Friday, April 4th.

• RSVP today for Midseason season training. We are excited to introduce some new trainings this season to advance your methods as coaches and youth development practitioners. Learn more here.

Let’s make every gameday one that reflects our values!

Tierra Stewart

Chief Program Officer, DC SCORES

Coach Spotlight

Celebrating Girls at DC SCORES

Stanton Elementary School Coach Ashley Jones helps poet-athletes share their stories. She was recently featured for her support for La'Dae — a poet-athlete who delivered a poem reflecting on parental loss and celebrating her mom’s life at 2024 Eastside Slam.

"Coach Ashley Jones is a dedicated writing coach at Stanton Elementary, inspiring students to find their voices through poetry and storytelling. Her passion and guidance build confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging, leaving a lasting impact on young writers."

- Josselin Possian

Soccer Program Specialist and Site Manager at Stanton Elementary School

Watch the Reel

Read the Post

Coaches, it’s game time!

As we gear up for the upcoming matches, we want to ensure that every coach steps onto the field ready to create a gameday experience that reflects our core values, community, inclusivity, and respect. A high-quality gameday isn’t just about competition; it’s about fostering an environment where every poet-athlete feels supported, empowered, and inspired.

To make sure you're fully prepared, take a moment to check in:

• Have you reviewed the slides from coach training? If not, view them here to reinforce expectations and best practices for supporting your poet-athletes.

• Are you familiar with our Fair Play expectations? Review them here to help guide important conversations with your team.

• Do you know the Laws of the Game? Refresh your knowledge here.

Action Item:

• It’s time to complete your Phase 1 Service Learning Check-In Form! We use this to understand how we can better support each of your teams and to anticipate what great projects you’ll be working on throughout the season. Please complete this by Friday, March 21st.

Let’s bring our best energy to the field and make this gameday one to remember!

Tierra Stewart

Chief Program Officer, DC SCORES

Coach Spotlight

Boone Panthers Prepare for the Spring Season

Boone Elementary School Coaches Jahlesea Davis and Ianne Payne-Driver put in the work this preseason to build community on the pitch.

"At Boone, the coaches see the athlete, the poet, and the person—guiding poet-athletes to grow in skill, spirit, and character."

- Josselin Possian

Soccer Program Specialist and Site Manager at Boone Elementary School

Dear Coaches,

What an incredible time we had together this past Saturday at Seaton Elementary School! With 120 coaches in attendance, your dedication to the holistic well-being of our youth was on full display. Through your commitment to youth development, community building, and emotional care, you continue to create safe and supportive spaces where young people can thrive.

Thank you for your intentional reflections on your team’s strides in building community, examining the structural barriers that perpetuate inequities, and leveraging youth development strategies to support youth experiencing heightened stress. You all, our Coaches, are exactly what our young people need, and now is the time to adapt, protect, and uplift them.

Action Items and Resources:

• Preparing for Spring - As we gear up for the new season, we’ve created some guidance here.

• Review the Self-Awareness & Emotions Care Training Module. This module introduces the first component of our new Program Quality Standards, integrating SEL practices. 

• Implement New Resources in Programming. Use the SCORES Play Card to reinforce our DC SCORES team values and establish strong classroom norms.

• Ensure Emergency Preparedness

• Do you know any DC SCORES alumni ages 14-24? We would love to have them work at our summer camp this year! Encourage them to apply via Mayor Barry's Summer Youth Employment Program. Contact Danny Sheerin, [email protected], for more information.

• Review the materials from our Spring Coach Kickoff

• Spring Coach Kickoff Presentations

• Service Learning Coach Kickoff Training - Spring

• Missed Training? Attend Makeup Training this week! Thursday, March 6th at 6 pm: Virtual Service Learning Makeup Training - RSVP by 4 pm on Thursday to receive the meeting link.

For any teachers interested in continued learning opportunities for your school, please reach out to me directly at [email protected].

We look forward to a spring filled with joy, connection, and community. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment!

Tierra Stewart

Chief Program Officer, DC SCORES

Coach Spotlight

Coach Tyler Ellis for Completes His USSF C License

"We are incredibly proud of Tyler Ellis for completing his USSF C License, a major milestone in his coaching journey. Ellis's commitment to developing his craft directly strengthens the quality of soccer programming at Thomson Elementary and across DC SCORES. His advanced knowledge and leadership will not only elevate the playing experience for our poet-athletes but also serve as an inspiration for other coaches in our network to pursue their own growth. Investing in coaches like Ellis is essential to our mission of providing high-quality, transformative opportunities for our poet-athletes through soccer."

- Jason Gross, Senior Director of Programs, Soccer and Operations

Dear Coaches,

Spring is quickly approaching, and as we step into a new season, we know that our communities and country are facing many challenges. That’s why bringing the joy is more important than ever!

To ensure you’re set up for success, please make sure you have registered for Coach Kick-Off, our in-person training where we’ll ground you in our new Community Building and SEL program quality standards and equip you with new trauma-informed resources to support the emotional well-being of our poet-athletes.

We also want to hear from you! We’re exploring ways to provide additional resources that help you respond with compassion and confidence in challenging moments. Please take a moment to complete this quick form and let us know how we can best support you and your team here. We are hoping to hear from every school!

Action Items and Resources:

• Spring Coach Kickoff: Spring Season is right around the corner and we can't wait to welcome you all at our Spring Coach Kickoff on Saturday, March 1st. Please be sure to RSVP here by February 21st, so we can appropriately plan and prepare. Stay tuned for more details!

• Free Coach Professional Development Opportunities. DC Area Educators 4 Social Justice (Ongoing) Upcoming Highlights:

• 2025 Peace of Mind Conference: Practice Kindness, Build Community | Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 9:30 AM 4:30 PM

• A People’s History Trivia Night | Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM 8:00 PM

Thank you for all you do, let’s make this season one filled with joy, connection, and growth!

See you soon,

Tierra Stewart

Chief Program Officer, DC SCORES

Dear Coaches,

In these times of uncertainty and heightened challenges, we want to reaffirm DC SCORES’ unwavering commitment to our community and the integrity of our values. As coaches, you are not just leaders on the field and in the classroom, but also pillars of support and safety for our poet-athletes and their families. Together, we have the power to create spaces within DC SCORES programming, where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

We understand that the current climate may bring stress, uncertainty, and difficult conversations. To help you navigate this, we are working to expand our resources and partnerships. We are actively collaborating with community-based organizations to provide more tools and training, including:

• Managing stress during times of crisis

• Trauma-informed care practices

• Knowing your rights

• Overall crisis management strategies

We are exploring how added resources can support you by equipping you with the skills and knowledge to respond with compassion and confidence in challenging moments.

We want to make sure we’re doing our part to meet your needs.

Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know how we can best support you and your teams right now. 

Please know that we are monitoring our current climate closely and working within our capacity to provide the best tools and support possible. 

Thank you for all that you do to uphold the values of DC SCORES. Together, we can continue to foster safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for our young leaders to thrive.

Action Items:

• Spring Coach Kickoff: Spring Season is right around the corner and we can't wait to welcome you all at our Spring Coach Kickoff on Saturday, March 1st. Please be sure to RSVP here by February 21st, so we can appropriately plan and prepare. Stay tuned for more details!

• Coach Feedback: We’re gathering feedback on the types of training, resources, and support you need during these challenging times. Please fill out the form on coach training and resource needs here.

In solidarity,

Tierra Stewart

Chief Program Officer, DC SCORES

Know Your Rights

Immigrants' Rights - 

This resource equips schools and coaches with essential knowledge on their rights and responsibilities in emergencies, providing step-by-step guidance template to create effective emergency preparedness plans. Learn More

We Have Rights

An empowerment campaign to prepare for and safely defend our rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). We all have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn More

Review the materials from our Spring Coach Kickoff (sent Week 3/4)

• Spring Coach Kickoff Presentations

• Service Learning Coach Kickoff Training - Spring

• DC Area Educators 4 Social Justice (Ongoing) Learn More

Upcoming PDs (sent Week 2/18)

• • 2025 Peace of Mind Conference: Practice Kindness, Build Community | Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Learn More

  • A People’s History Trivia Night | Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Learn More

• Immigrants' Rights - This resource equips schools and coaches with essential knowledge on their rights and responsibilities in emergencies, providing step-by-step guidance template to create effective emergency preparedness plans. Learn More (sent Week 2/4)

• We Have Rights - An empowerment campaign to prepare for and safely defend our rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). We all have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn More (sent Week 2/4)