The CST Approach
We know that collaborative, skilled local leadership focused on youth development is the key to transforming youth sports. Our approach centers on building leadership capacity through training and connecting leaders into Sports Leadership Teams aligned around shared goals. The CST is built to teach communities how to build and sustain healthy sport communities.
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Community Activation: Mooresville Case Study
We are Different
We teach systems-level change
​Most interventions target the individual (e.g., coach) or one organization (e.g., team or sport). Our tools and resources teach sports leaders how to work at the systems level through coordinated alliances.
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Our framework is science-validated
Our evidence-based multidisciplinary work has been and will continue to be based on many years of careful deliberation, and work, with leading experts in sports, leadership, and human development.
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We bring people and groups together
By supporting and connecting leaders and organizations, we are able to scale solutions such as LTPD in a faster and more cost-effective manner. If we work together, healthy sports experiences will become the norm, not the exception.
Supporting Research & Frameworks
Coaching Frameworks
​Gilbert, W. (2020). USOPC quality coaching framework. United States Olympic Committee. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
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Gilbert, W. (2017). Coaching better every season: A year-round process for athlete development and program success. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
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Gallimore, R., Gilbert, W., & Nater, S. (2014). Reflective practice and ongoing learning: A coach's ten-year journey. Reflective Practice, 15, 268-288.
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Long-Term Program Development
Siwik, M., Lambert, A., Saylor, D., Bertram, R., Cocchiarella, C., & Gilbert, W. (2015). Long term program development (LTPD): An interdisciplinary framework for developing athletes, coaches, and sport programs. International Sport Coaching Journal, 2, 305-316.
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Sport Leadership Team Framework
Gilbert, W., Gallimore, R., & Trudel, P. (2009). A learning community approach to coach development in youth sport. Journal of Coaching Education, 2(2), 1-21.
