The cost of STRIDE is $125 per participant and includes:

• 20 lessons over 10 weeks

• Snack provided with each session

• All materials within the curriculum

• STRIDE program t-shirt

• Registration for celebratory 5K

• 5K finishers medal

Financial assistance is available for families in need through grants, personal and corporate sponsorships. We want to make sure that cost is never a barrier. With the proper documentation families can receive a variety of financial assistance.

During the ten weeks, the curriculum covers topics that are designed to help develop excellent character. The boys are given the opportunity to talk with each other and their coaches about issues that they face in school, at sports, in the community and at home.

The topics covered are listed below:

Session #1: Who’s on the Team
Session #2: Character Counts
Session #3: Running Rocks
Session #4: It’s Okay to be Different
Session #5: The Good Friend
Session #6: Getting Along
Session #7: Working with a Team
Session #8: Winning Isn’t Everything
Session #9: Fueling our Emotional Tank
Session #10: Bullying
Session #11: Eating Healthy
Session #12: Drugs do Damage
Session #13: Shoot for your Goals
Session #14: Operation Organization
Session #15: Doing the Distance – 5K
Session #16: Cyber Sense
Session #17: The Follow Through
Session #18: STRIDE – Putting It Together & Passing It On
Session #19: Make a Difference in Action
Session #20: The Celebration

Host Sites must:

• Designate a safe outdoor space that can be used for running (sports fields, tracks).
• Find an indoor space in the case of inclement weather does not allow for outdoor training (cafeterias, multi-purpose rooms, classrooms).
• Create a schedule that allows for maximum learning and development (no less than 75 minutes and no longer than 90 minutes).
• Find a key staff that will coordinate the program with the YMCA of Springfield STRIDE Director.

Site Liaison:

• Is the primary contact point for STRIDE and reports to the YMCA of Springfield STRIDE Director.
• Advertises coach descriptions to colleagues to ensure at least 2 coaches will be present at all sessions.
• Promotes STRIDE within school to encourage maximum participation.
• Supports families when help is needed to register.

STRIDE teams are coached by trained volunteers – parents, teachers, college students, even community members – who are looking for a way to become a positive role model to our youth. We are looking for coaches who maintain a healthy lifestyle, are committed to being a positive role model for boys, demonstrated a commitment to the program and its goals, and are encouraging and supportive.  The coach does NOT have to be an elite runner.

Coach Responsibilities:

• STRIDE meets twice a week for 75 minutes.
• Attend two hour coach training.
• Are present and engaged during sessions.
• Encourages boys during 5K Challenge.

In order to become a Coach, you must complete the three steps below:

1. Complete a YMCA STRIDE coach application
2. Complete a YMCA Volunteer & Staff Commitment to Safe Sports and Programs form
3. Successfully pass a background check

There are various coaching levels available to volunteers:

Head Coach
Coaching STRIDE is a rewarding experience and allows you to experience the program firsthand and feel a sense of accomplishment that you have made a difference in the lives of boys, as well as having fun with your coaches and participants. A Head Coach position is great for the man/woman who can commit to meeting two times a week, as well as having time to prepare for lessons.

Assistant Coach
Serving as an Assistant Coach is a fun and rewarding way to get involved with STRIDE and learn more about the program. It is a rewarding experience and allows you to experience the program firsthand and feel a sense of accomplishment that you have made a difference in the lives of boys, as well as having fun with your coaches and participants. This is the perfect opportunity for the man/woman that cannot make the twice-weekly time commitment to be a head coach.

Junior Coach
Serving as a Junior Coach is a fun and rewarding way for individuals under 18 years of age to get involved with STRIDE. You have the opportunity to experience the program firsthand, feel a sense of accomplishment, and have fun with your team of coaches and the boys.