Richmond United is proud to partner with Soccer Parenting to encourage all families, coaches, and supporters to take part in The Sideline Project, a national movement designed to improve the youth sports experience.
As part of this initiative, Richmond United has a goal to have 2,500 parents and coaches across the club to take the Sideline Project Course by April 16. Everyone who completes the Sideline Project course will be automatically entered into a random drawing to win $175 toward Richmond United Summer Camps (excluding the Inter Camp) or a $175 SOCCER.COM gift card, with three winners selected for each prize.
The Sideline Project features a 15-minute educational course that helps parents and coaches better understand the impact of sideline behavior. Through a short video and simple pledge, participants gain perspective on how their actions and encouragement shape the experience for players, referees, and fellow spectators.
The goal is simple: create a more positive and enjoyable game day environment for everyone involved in youth sports.
Participants will:
- Watch a short educational video about sideline behavior
- Read and sign the Sideline Project Pledge
- Add their name to the national Pledge Wall
- Join thousands working to make youth sports better
A positive sideline environment helps players develop confidence, enjoy the game, and stay involved in sports longer.
Richmond United Director of Coaching Leigh Cowlishaw emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“We are delighted to recommend The Sideline Project to all Richmond United families. Creating a positive, supportive environment for our players is essential to their growth and enjoyment of the game, and parents play one of the most important roles in that journey.
The video and pledge is a simple but powerful reminder of the impact you have from the sidelines and how your support helps shape the experience for every player. We encourage all families to take a few minutes to participate and continue building the positive culture that makes our club so special.”
Additional Opportunity for Coaches
Richmond United is also encouraging coaches to deepen their engagement with families through the Parent Engagement for Coaches course offered by Soccer Parenting.
This two-hour course provides practical tools for coaches to build stronger relationships with parents and create a positive team culture. The program includes downloadable resources, meeting templates, and communication guides.
To encourage participation, the first 50 Richmond United coaches who enroll will receive access to the course through the club.
Join the Movement
Richmond United invites all parents, coaches, referees, and spectators to take a few minutes to participate in the Sideline Project and help continue building a positive culture across our club.
Together, we can Make Youth Sports Better.
Take the Sideline Project Course Today: https://leader.thesidelineproject.com/RU
