National CYO Sports

National CYO Sports animates Gospel values in Catholic youth sports to encourage young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.

To learn more about NCYOS, a program of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), read about our mission, vision, and governance structure…

The NCYOS Website

This website is published by NCYOS as an aid to those in leadership in the Catholic-sponsored sports community – administrators, coaches, youth ministers, parents and all interested persons – to present a vision of athletic programs that "teach Gospel values through sports."

This Website includes:
• HOME PAGE – News and Notes of Current items in Catholic Youth Sports and other significant items
• ABOUT NCYOS – information about the mission and staff of NCYOS
• ABOUT CATHOLIC YOUTH SPORTS – the vision of Gospel centered sports;
• RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND BEST PRACTICES – spiritual and inspirational resources; standards and best practices; links to other youth sports organizations; recommended print resources
•NCYOS TRAINING OFFERINGS – training opportunities from NCYOS and other recommended organizations.

 

News and Notes

 

Sadness Grips the World of Youth Sports – What Can Be Our Response as a Catholic Faith Community?

All have been saddened and outraged by the death of soccer official Ricardo Portillo, in Utah, who died from injuries after being punched in the face by a 17 year old player. As a community, we pray for all affected by this tragedy. But what should be our response in Catholic youth sports? How could youth sports, such a positive influence in the lives of many of our young people, turn so ugly? In an article by Dr. Dobie Moser, he reflects of some of the causes and what could be your response in Catholic-sponsored sports programs. Click here to download "Youth Sports – Violence, Mission and Hope."

 

Resource of the Month

Every other month, a resource or publication will be added to our resource library and is featured here!

This month's resource comes from the Diocese of Helena, Montana, and is about using a sports activity to "connect" with young people. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring a Kickball tournament in May, "because sometimes we just need to get outside and celebrate fellowship with a childhood game that caters to the non-athletic.

. Click here for details and the "Kickball Handbook."

 

NCYOS and “Coaching Coaches” Partnering
in Parent and Coaches Training

NCYOS has endorsed “Coaching Coaches” in providing training programs for parents and coaches, with an emphasis on values in Catholic-sponsored, faith-based sports programs. The Parent Program is called “Positive Parent Participation” and helps parents to define their roles in youth sports.  Over 23,000 coaches nationwide have viewed the Coaches Program, entitled “Coaching to Make A Positive Difference,” Both programs have the option to be taken “on-line” or with a live presenter.
Click Here to view the Press Release with more information

For more information on Coaching Coaches, Click Here to visit their website

 

NCYOS Links Sports and Faith at 2012 NCCYM

NCYOS participated in the biennial National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) in in late November at Disney World Resort. Workshop were sponsored on Sports and Faith including The New Evangelization and Athletics by Matthew Schwartz, Renewing the Athletic Vision by Mike Patin, Competitive Sports with Catholic Values by Dr. Mike Carotta, and Athletics and Catholic Identity by Ron Landfair. Workshops were sponsored by the NCYOS, Our Sunday Visitor, and Mike Patin.

NCYOS Leadership team member Ron Landfair was honored by the NFCYM with a prestigious National Youth Ministry Award for contributions to Multicultural Gifts. Congratulations, Ron! Pictured below are Ron presenting at his workshop and Leadership Team member Sue Versluys talking sports at the NCYOS exhibit.

Plan to join us in November 2014 for the NCCYM in San Antonio, Texas.

 

Concerned About Injuries on Your Team or With Your Child?

Each year, countless athletes hit the courts and fields in our faith-based sports programs. Often injuries can make the experience not much fun and can be dangerous! How can we make youth sports more safe? For information on a variety of injury prevention programs, including concussion awareness, visit the Ensuring a Safe Playing Environment section of the NCYOS Standards and Best Practices page.

 

New Vatican Initiative on Sports Is Announced

The Vatican has announced a new Department dedicated to the understanding of Sports and Culture. The new department will be in the Pontifical Council for Culture and will cooperate with the existing Sports Section in the Council for the Laity. It was stated that "the new approach is aimed at coming to an understanding of sport as a privileged place for dialogue among Church, culture and youth." Click here for a link to an article from the Vatican Today.

Catholic Coaching Essentials

Now available! The American Sport Education Program (ASEP) allows preregistration for their special online course for Catholic Coaches. Open the National CYO Sports portal page on ASEP's website and preregister for these learning experiences.

• Read the statement on the relationship between NCYOS and ASEP
• View a PowerPoint presentation on Catholic Coaching Essentials (10.8 MB)

 

Online Store

National CYO Sports has developed resources specifically for Catholic youth sports. Check out the prayer card, Prayer to See God in Youth Sports, and the brochure, Parents as Partners in Catholic Youth Sports. NFCYM's Online Store provides a modern, user-friendly Internet shopping cart experience with real-time credit card processing, a variety of shipping choices, automatic volume discounts, and more.

NCYOS Brochure

• Download the latest National CYO Sports Brochure (9.6MB)

 

 

• About National CYO Sports
• About Catholic Youth Sports
• Recommended Resources and Best Practices
• NCYOS Training Offerings