Coach Gummer brought his Lake Nona Lions to a runner up finish at the 2012 AAU Football League-Based Nationals.

Stanford, CA – Jade Gummer, coach of the Lake Nona Junior Lions youth football team, has won Positive Coaching Alliance’s coveted Double-Goal Coach Award presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance for his positive impact on youth athletes.

The award – named for coaches who strive to win while pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports – carries a $250 prize, a trophy and mention within the websites and newsletters of Positive Coaching Alliance (www.PositiveCoach.org) and the Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports program (ResponsibleSports.com).

“Jade helps youth athletes win on and off the field,” said Jim Thompson, founder and CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) and author of eight books on youth sports, including The Power of Double-Goal Coaching. “By creating a positive, character-building youth sports experience, and serving as a Double-Goal Coach, Jade helps youth develop into better athletes and better people.”

Gummer, who played football at Western Kentucky University under Coach Jack Harbaugh, led his team of eight- and nine-year-olds to the AAU championship game last season. Along the way, he developed the technique of awarding various superhero masks to players at the end of each practice.

“We recognize that not every kid on our team is a stud athlete, who’s going to be running for touchdowns,” Gummer said, “but we want everyone to feel like an integral part of the team. Every day we would have three heroes of the day. You could be Batman for your wonderful listening skills, or you could be Thor, with the big hammer, for having the block of the day. Or you could get the Captain America mask for cheering on your teammates. They got to take the mask home and keep it overnight.”

Gummer’s approach embodies the shared values that are central to Liberty Mutual Insurance and PCA, which also have partnered to help youth sports coaches and parents through the Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports Program Powered by Positive Coaching Alliance.

“This prestigious award celebrates coaches who are doing the right thing, by promoting the fundamental ideals of community through positive mentoring,” said Julie Brassard, Liberty Mutual Insurance manager of sponsorships.  “We applaud coaches like Jade Gummer for effectively using sports to teach valuable life lessons to our youth.”

Founded in 2007, the program serves as a means to highlight the positive impact that everyday, responsible actions can have on our youth. The program provides resources for parents and coaches at ResponsibleSports.com to help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport.  The online community incorporates podcasts, videos, and best practices on youth sports topics that provide practical, real-world advice.  Parents and coaches also can complete guides on positive sports mentoring that offer best practices for handling challenging sports scenarios.

Coach Gummer brought his Lake Nona Lions to a runner up finish at the 2012 AAU Football League-Based Nationals.

Stanford, CA – Jade Gummer, coach of the Lake Nona Junior Lions youth football team, has won Positive Coaching Alliance’s coveted Double-Goal Coach Award presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance for his positive impact on youth athletes.

The award – named for coaches who strive to win while pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports – carries a $250 prize, a trophy and mention within the websites and newsletters of Positive Coaching Alliance (www.PositiveCoach.org) and the Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports program (ResponsibleSports.com).

“Jade helps youth athletes win on and off the field,” said Jim Thompson, founder and CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) and author of eight books on youth sports, including The Power of Double-Goal Coaching. “By creating a positive, character-building youth sports experience, and serving as a Double-Goal Coach, Jade helps youth develop into better athletes and better people.”

Gummer, who played football at Western Kentucky University under Coach Jack Harbaugh, led his team of eight- and nine-year-olds to the AAU championship game last season. Along the way, he developed the technique of awarding various superhero masks to players at the end of each practice.

“We recognize that not every kid on our team is a stud athlete, who’s going to be running for touchdowns,” Gummer said, “but we want everyone to feel like an integral part of the team. Every day we would have three heroes of the day. You could be Batman for your wonderful listening skills, or you could be Thor, with the big hammer, for having the block of the day. Or you could get the Captain America mask for cheering on your teammates. They got to take the mask home and keep it overnight.”

Gummer’s approach embodies the shared values that are central to Liberty Mutual Insurance and PCA, which also have partnered to help youth sports coaches and parents through the Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports Program Powered by Positive Coaching Alliance.

“This prestigious award celebrates coaches who are doing the right thing, by promoting the fundamental ideals of community through positive mentoring,” said Julie Brassard, Liberty Mutual Insurance manager of sponsorships.  “We applaud coaches like Jade Gummer for effectively using sports to teach valuable life lessons to our youth.”

Founded in 2007, the program serves as a means to highlight the positive impact that everyday, responsible actions can have on our youth. The program provides resources for parents and coaches at ResponsibleSports.com to help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport.  The online community incorporates podcasts, videos, and best practices on youth sports topics that provide practical, real-world advice.  Parents and coaches also can complete guides on positive sports mentoring that offer best practices for handling challenging sports scenarios.