Key Takeaways
- Positive Coaching Alliance launched the Lee Corso Legacy Fund to honor the former college football coach and ESPN analyst’s commitment to positive youth sports experiences
- The fund will establish the Lee Corso Legacy Award recognizing coaches who use sports to teach life lessons and build character in young athletes
- PCA board member and Tallen Capital Partners CEO Terry Tallen, a former player under Corso at Indiana University, provided the lead gift and is challenging others to match his donation
- The initiative extends PCA’s reach beyond its current impact of more than 20 million youth across all 50 states and partnerships with over 3,500 schools and organizations
- Contributions can be made at positivecoach.org/lee-corso-legacy-fund
Expanding PCA’s Coaching Education Mission
Positive Coaching Alliance announced the creation of the Lee Corso Legacy Fund, a new initiative designed to advance the organization’s work in transforming youth sports culture through coaching education and resources. The fund honors Corso’s decades-long advocacy for positive coaching methods that prioritize character development alongside athletic skill.
The fund will support PCA’s provision of training and resources for coaches, parents, and athletes. These programs focus on fostering sportsmanship, character development, and what the organization describes as “joy in play” for young participants.
New Award to Recognize Coaching Excellence
A central component of the fund is the establishment of the Lee Corso Legacy Award. The award will recognize coaches who demonstrate Corso’s philosophy that sports serve as a vehicle for teaching life lessons and developing confident, resilient young people.
“I’m deeply honored that the Positive Coaching Alliance is creating the Lee Corso Legacy Award to support youth sports,” said Corso. “Promoting youth sports has been a lifelong passion of mine. I have always believed that positive, encouraging coaching is the best way to motivate and inspire our youth.”
Corso, who built his coaching career before becoming one of college football’s most recognizable television personalities at ESPN, credited Terry Tallen for introducing him to the organization. Tallen, who played under Corso at Indiana University and served as co-captain of the team’s Holiday Bowl Championship squad, now sits on PCA’s board and serves as CEO of Tallen Capital Partners.
Lead Donor Issues Challenge to Sports Community
Tallen provided the fund’s lead gift donation and issued a public challenge to football fans, former players, and youth sports supporters to match his contribution. The funding structure aims to leverage Corso’s network and influence in college football to generate sustained support for PCA’s coaching development initiatives.
“I’m so proud of the Positive Coaching Alliance for expanding its mission by creating this fund and honoring one of college football’s greatest coaches, sportscasters and my longtime friend and mentor, Coach Lee Corso,” Tallen said. “I’m thrilled to kick off its funding with a significant lead gift donation and challenge my fellow football friends, fans and youth sports supporters to match my gift.”
The appeal positions the fund within both the college football community and the broader youth sports sector, targeting supporters familiar with Corso’s visibility in sports media and his coaching legacy.
Access and Equity in Youth Sports Coaching
PCA CEO Jason Sacks framed the fund within the organization’s commitment to ensuring access to quality coaching across different economic and social backgrounds. The fund’s structure supports the organization’s stated goal of providing positive sports experiences to every young person, regardless of circumstance.
“Coach Corso’s impact on generations of athletes, fans, and families goes far beyond the field,” Sacks said. “His legacy reminds us that when coaches lead with positivity, integrity, and love for the game, they shape lives. The Lee Corso Legacy Fund ensures that spirit will continue to inspire coaches and athletes for years to come.”
PCA currently operates partnerships in all 50 states and works with more than 3,500 schools and organizations. The organization reports reaching more than 20 million youth through its programs.
Strategic Implications for Youth Sports Development
The fund’s launch represents PCA’s continued focus on coaching quality as a lever for improving youth sports outcomes. By attaching Corso’s name and profile to the initiative, PCA gains access to college football networks and potential donor bases that may not typically engage with youth sports nonprofits.
The matching gift challenge from Tallen creates a fundraising mechanism designed to multiply initial contributions and build momentum for sustained support. The structure suggests PCA is positioning the fund for long-term growth rather than as a one-time campaign.
For coaches and youth sports organizations, the Lee Corso Legacy Award may provide recognition for practitioners who prioritize character development and positive athlete experiences. The award criteria, when released, will likely reflect PCA’s established coaching principles and could influence how coaching effectiveness is measured and celebrated in youth sports settings.
Supporters interested in contributing to the Lee Corso Legacy Fund can visit positivecoach.org/lee-corso-legacy-fund for more information.
via: Positive Coaching Alliance / MS
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