We know that the adults we put in front of our young athletes have the power to shape their experiences with sport, ignite passions, and ensure youth feel included, seen, and supported. In honor of National Coaches Day on Oct 6th, and throughout the entire month of October, we want to highlight those amazing coaches in our region that are on the courts, fields, diamonds, and playgrounds changing lives and hearts. Help us acknowledge them by nominating a Project Play-Maker of the Year. Up to four honorees will be selected by a panel of Project Play stakeholders. Each will be featured on Project Play's social media channels and in our December newsletter, recognized publicly at an upcoming Project Play event, and will receive a $200 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card. Nominators of selected honorees will receive a $50 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card as thanks for their time. Nominations are due Friday, November 13, 2026 — submit yours below!
Eligible nominees should:
- Coach or facilitate physical activity programs within the 7 county region of southeast Michigan (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair)
- Coach youth that are primarily 14 years old and younger
- Coach youth in programs that are considered financially accessible for most families, not just elite sports
- Model strategies aligned with the Children's Bill of Rights in Sports
- The Project Play team may follow up with the nominator and/or nominee with follow up questions and request for a high-resolution photo to assist in recognition efforts
