CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

WHY TAKE A CERTIFICATE COURSE?

Teens and young adults preparing for college and early career employment should consider taking certificate courses to enhance their overall growth and development, explore interests and strengthen their college applications and early career job applications. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), extracurricular activities like certificate courses are significant factors in admissions decisions (NACAC, 2020). Completing certificate courses demonstrates initiative, commitment to personal growth, and readiness for academic challenges (Roberts, 2019). Including certificate courses on a college application showcases a student's proactive approach to self-improvement and readiness for higher education (Smith, 2021). In addition, certificate course completion demonstrates potential early career employers a proactive investment in experiential learning, foundational leadership skills, industry-specific knowledge and practical experience, laying the groundwork for future success in their chosen career path

And, what better way than investing in personal growth and development and enhancing college and job applications than engaging in an area of interest? ELITE SPORTS NATION Certificate Programs teach fundamentals in leadership, social entrepreneurship, and other areas as applied to the sports industry!

Summer courses begin in June.  Courses are self-paced and take 2 - 6 weeks to complete, depending on time allocation of each individual participant. Courses are virtual with all materials provided online. Some courses may include small group discussions and peer review. Registration for courses starting in June open April 15. Cost per online course is $50. Cost per course with in-person component is $150.  Courses are offered throughout the year, with additional courses added regularly.  

Upon satisfactory completion of the course, participants will receive a Course Completion Certificate and course data will be maintained in a database for referral to potential employers or colleges and universities.

Contact elitesportsnationHQ@gmail.com with questions.

 

CERTIFICATE IN YOUTH LEADERSHIP

This certificate program is designed to empower teenagers aged 15-18, as well as young adults looking to begin their journey in Sports Leadership, with the essential skills necessary to excel in the realm of sports and sports management. By participating in this comprehensive program, participants will develop the knowledge, confidence, and capabilities to become effective leaders both on and off the field. Through a dynamic combination of  workshops, practical exercises, and hands-on experiences, this program will equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead with excellence in any sports setting.

Program Highlights

Empowering Leadership Foundations: Dive into the fundamentals of sports leadership, exploring different leadership styles, understanding the importance of setting clear goals, and discovering your unique leadership strengths.

Effective Communication Strategies: Master the art of communication, learning how to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and resolve conflicts diplomatically, essential skills for effective leadership both on and off the field.

Team Building and Motivation: Unleash the power of teamwork by discovering strategies to build camaraderie, foster trust, and motivate teammates to perform at their best, creating a winning team culture.

Goal Setting and Time Management Mastery: Develop the skills to set SMART goals, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage your time efficiently, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your personal and team objectives.

Decision Making and Problem-Solving Skills: Learn how to make sound decisions under pressure, solve problems creatively, and navigate challenges with confidence, essential skills for leadership in competitive sports environments.

Ethics and Integrity in Sports: Explore the critical importance of ethics and integrity in sports leadership, understanding how to embody sportsmanship, uphold ethical standards, and promote integrity within your team and community. 

Conflict Resolution and Mediation Techniques: Gain the tools and strategies to address conflicts constructively, mediate disputes, and promote a culture of respect and collaboration within your team.

Personal Development for Student Athletes: Focus on your personal growth and development as a student athlete, exploring topics such as self-awareness, resilience, and mental toughness to maximize your potential both on and off the field.

Leadership in Competition: Prepare yourself to lead under pressure, maintain composure during intense competition, and foster a positive team culture even in the face of adversity.

Reflect, Grow, Lead: Reflect on your personal leadership journey, identify areas for growth, and create a plan for ongoing leadership development, ensuring you continue to evolve as a leader long after the program ends.

Certificate Requirements
To earn your Certificate of Leadership in Sports, you'll need to:

  • Participate actively in all program modules, activities, and practical exercises.
  • Complete assigned readings, videos, reflections, and hands-on exercises to deepen your understanding and application of leadership principles.
  • Showcase your leadership skills and insights through a final project or presentation that demonstrates your growth and development throughout the program.

CLICK HERE to Register (REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 15 FOR JUNE SESSION)

 

CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Are you interested in entrepreneurship and making positive social impact?  This program is designed for teens aged 15-18,  as well as young adults looking to begin their journey in social entrepreneurship, who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities while exploring opportunities within the sports sector. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and real-world application, participants will be equipped with the tools and mindset needed to understand effective social entrepreneurs in the dynamic field of sports.

Program Highlights

Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship: Explore the concept of social entrepreneurship and its relevance to the sports industry, identifying opportunities for positive change.

Innovation and Design Thinking: Embrace design thinking methodologies to develop innovative solutions for social challenges in sports, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

Project Development and Implementation: Turn ideas into action by planning, executing, and adapting social entrepreneurial projects within the sports industry, overcoming obstacles along the way.

Sustainability and Impact Measurement: Learn principles of sustainability and effective methods for measuring social impact, ensuring long-term viability and success for social ventures.

Leadership and Team Building: Develop leadership skills and strategies for building effective teams, essential for driving social change within the sports sector.

Pitching and Fundraising: Learn the art of pitching and fundraising, acquiring the tools and techniques needed to secure support and investment for a social venture.

Business Fundamentals for Social Entrepreneurs: Gain essential knowledge in business planning, financial management, and marketing tailored to social ventures within sports.

Certificate Requirements 
To earn your Youth Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship with a Focus on the Sports Industry, you'll need to:

  • Participate actively in all program modules, activities, and practical exercises.
  • Complete assigned readings, videos, reflections, and hands-on exercises to deepen your understanding and application of leadership principles.
  • Develop and present a social entrepreneurial project proposal focused on addressing a specific social issue within the sports industry.

CLICK HERE to Register (REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 15 FOR JUNE SESSION)

 

Youth Sports Coaching Certificate
This program is designed for young individuals aged 15-18, as well as young adults beginning their coaching career, who are passionate about sports and eager to make a positive impact as coaches in youth sports programs. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training, participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively coach young athletes, foster their development, and promote a positive sports experience.

Program Highlights

Introduction to Youth Sports Coaching: Learn about the role and responsibilities of a youth sports coach, including coaching philosophy, ethics, and child development principles.

Coaching Techniques and Methodologies: Develop fundamental coaching techniques such as communication, motivation, and feedback tailored to different age groups and skill levels and design engaging practice plans and drills to enhance player development and game strategy.

Creating Positive Coaching Environments:  Establish a positive coaching culture that prioritizes safety, respect, and sportsmanship and learn strategies for creating inclusive and supportive environments for diverse young athletes.

Skill Development and Player Evaluation:  Assess player skills, strengths, and areas for improvement to create individualized player development plans and utilize effective methods for evaluating player progress and performance.

Coaching Ethics and Professionalism:  Gain an understanding of ethical considerations in youth sports coaching, including fair play, integrity, and accountability and develop capabilities for upholding coaching standards and codes of conduct to promote a positive coaching image within the community.

Practical Coaching Experience:  Gain hands-on coaching experience with local community youth sports teams or programs and receive mentorship and feedback from experienced coaches and instructors to refine coaching skills.

Certificate Requirements
To earn your Youth Certificate in Youth Sports Coaching, you'll need to:

  • Participate actively in all program modules, activities, and practical exercises.
  • Complete assigned readings, videos, reflections, and hands-on exercises to deepen your understanding and application of leadership principles.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in coaching techniques and principles through practical coaching experience and evaluation.  *This will require in-person activity with local youth sports organization.

CLICK HERE to Register (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!)

 

Sports Nutrition and Fitness Certificate
This program is tailored to young individuals aged 14-21 who are passionate about sports and interested in optimizing their performance through proper nutrition and fitness practices. Through this comprehensive program, participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies needed to fuel their bodies effectively, enhance athletic performance, and promote overall health and well-being. Additionally, participants will learn how to adapt their plans through life changes.  

Program Highlights

Fundamentals of Sports Nutrition:  Learn about the role of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) in sports performance and develop and understanding of the importance of hydration and electrolyte balance for optimal athletic performance and recovery.

Nutrition for Athletic Performance:  Explore how nutrition can impact energy levels, endurance, strength, and recovery in sports and learn strategies for pre- and post-workout nutrition to optimize performance and enhance recovery.

Meal Planning and Nutrient Timing:  Gain practical skills in meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing nutritious meals and snacks suitable for young athletes and develop an understanding of the importance of nutrient timing and meal composition for maximizing training adaptations and recovery.

Fitness and Strength Training Principles:  Learn the fundamentals of fitness and strength training, including exercise selection, proper technique, and progression and gain an understanding of the benefits of strength training for sports performance, injury prevention, and overall health.

Personalized Fitness Plans: Develop personalized fitness plans tailored to individual goals, abilities, and training schedules and receive guidance and support in setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and making adjustments to training programs as needed.

Certificate Requirements
To earn your Youth Certificate in Youth Sports Coaching, you'll need to:

  • Participate actively in all program modules, activities, and practical exercises.
  • Complete assigned readings, videos, reflections, and hands-on exercises to deepen your understanding and application of leadership principles.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in coaching techniques and principles through practical coaching experience and evaluation.  *This will require in-person activity to demonstrate proper strength training techniques.

CLICK HERE to Register (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!)

Looking for a personalized certificate course or a course focus in an area outside of sports?

ELITE SPORTS NATION Certificate Courses are offered in partnership with NC Elite Volleyball Club and KIDS Community!
Learn more about our partners...

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

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