AOC Philosophy: 7 Pillars of Youth Sports and Development

1: Everyone Plays

We do not hold tryouts; nor do we cut kids from our program. Everyone who participates is assigned to team. Every participant receives equal as well as equitable time to navigate our courses. All participants go through our active obstacle challenges sufficient times so they learn.

2: Safety First

Although some children may get hurt when engaging in active drills and exercises, we do all we can to prevent injuries. We prepare and layout each course to make the course as safe as possible for all participants. We check all equipment and facilities continually to maximize safety.

Active obstacle courses are supervised by qualified coaches, so the skills taught are appropriate for each individual's developmental level. Participants should increase their fitness levels gradually so they are conditioned for long term active lifestyle. We supervise participants and stop any unsafe activities.

3: Fair Play

Fair play is about more than playing by the rules. It’s about other kids showing respect, and supporting everyone involved in or active obstacle challenge. It’s about being a role model of good character, behavior and sportsmanship, while motivating everyone to be supportive of the activities.

We’re more interested in developing children’s character through sports activities, having fun, and participation than in developing a few elite and highly-skilled athletes.

4: Positive Competition

We believe competition is positive when the pursuit of victory remains in the proper perspective. Winning isn’t everything. Learning to stay active and having fun is important for kids; learning to cooperate in a competitive world is an essential life skill, as long as we maintain a balanced perspective.

The “proper perspective” means AOC makes decisions that place the best interests of the participant above winning. These are the lessons teach through our program.

5: Family Involvement

We encourage parents to be involved appropriately with their child. In addition to parents assisting as volunteer coaches and timekeepers, if applicable, we encourage parents to be supportive of their child’s fitness, participating and developmental goals.

6: Sports for All

We strive to make this is an inclusive sports program. That means children with different abilities and skill levels are included in participation. We ask our teachers, adult leaders and volunteers to support and appreciate the diversity of children in our society and encourage participants and other parents to do the same. We work together to make everyone the best they can be. The AOC goal is to keep kids active and healthy while having fun.

7: Sports for Fun

Sports and fitness is naturally fun for most children. They love the challenge of mastering skills of the games, playing with their friends, and competing against themselves or peers. As coaches, educators and parents, we all have a role to play keeping the focus on having fun and providing a positive, supportive environment.

The most important objective of the AOC program is that everyone enjoys participating and challenging themselves while being active during our sessions.

Your Good Heart Donation Helps Kids

Too many kids have been priced out of playing youth sports and having fun.

At AOC we believe every kid deserves the chance to play sports or have fun. Why? The positive impact and outcomes experienced through participation, that’s why. Be it social connection, mental/emotional well-being or physical development, so much is in play when our kids play.

The #1 barrier keeping kids from income-restricted families out of sports programs and youth sports is cost. Your donation helps AOC provide services to schools, organizations and clubs who would not be able to afford fitness and youth sports participation programs. Our goal is to provide opportunity to every youngster who wants to participate, play and have fun.

If We Pay — Kids Play. Make a difference today!

We partner with individuals and organizations to fund our Active Obstacle Challenge courses. Good Heart Donations remove the financial obstacle of participation. Our goal is to help 100,000 kids from low-income families to be able to play, challenge themselves, learn and have fun. Together, we’ll make that dream their reality.

Lucius Floyd, Mr. Volunteer
Certified Sports Performance Coach
NFHS Level 3 Coach
Challenging and keeping kids active while having fun