In 2019, roughly 34% of coaches had recent training in general safety and injury prevention. In 2025, that number was 26%. According to the Aspen Institute, this trend is recurring across all coaching categories, including training in physical conditioning, sport-specific skills, and effective motivational techniques. Simultaneously, research shows that supporting a young athlete’s physical fitness, helping them learn new skills, and distributing equal play time are the most important coaching philosophies parents want from their child’s coach.

The reality most teams, leagues, and organizations face is that supporting the continued education of coaches is often too time- and resource-intensive, so the burden to stay ahead of their craft falls on the often underpaid and overworked coach. The US Tennis Association is firing back and aiming to change this trend. In 2025, they introduced USTA Coaching, a new entity built to support coaches not only in their continued education but also by providing additional resources for insurance, telehealth, and certification maintenance. They're aiming to make coaching an attractive career once again, where coaches who are educated and have a growth mindset are also valued in every organization.

The USTA is focused on shaping what the coaching profession will look like over the next 20 years, recognizing that quality coaches are essential to the future of youth sports. Without strong coaching leadership, youth sports participation and development decline, creating broader long-term impacts across communities and athlete development.