HEALING-CENTERED COACH TRAINING COMES TO SAN FRANCISCO’S LGBTQ+ SPORTS COMMUNITY AHEAD OF 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
As San Francisco prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS) is joining Pride House SF and Street Soccer USA for two days of healing-centered coach training on June 19 and 20. The sessions bring trauma-informed frameworks to the coaches, youth leaders, and adult athletes who make up the city’s LGBTQ+ sports community.
On Friday, June 19 at The Crossing at East Cut (250 Main St), coaches and youth leaders working in soccer-based programming will explore how stress and adversity show up in young athletes’ bodies and behavior. Participants will learn practical skills for creating sports spaces where LGBTQ+ kids feel safe, seen, and supported. On Saturday, June 20 at the SF LGBT Center (1800 Market St), the focus shifts to adult athletes, coaches, and league organizers, with a deeper look at co-regulation, self-regulation, and what it means to build safety and inclusion across an entire sports community.
“Sport has the power to heal. The coaches and leaders in San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ sports community are already doing that work. These trainings are designed to meet them where they are and give them more tools to increase their impact.” Megan Bartlett, Founder, Center for Healing and Justice through Sport
“As the world descends on the Bay Area this summer we have a unique opportunity to galvanize this opportunity to leave a legacy for years to come” said Zac Brown, executive director of pride house San Francisco. “These workshops in partnership with Center for Healing and Justice through Sport are a catalyst for the next generation to experience sport in a more welcoming, healing and joyous way for years to come”
“As the world descends on the Bay Area this summer we have a unique opportunity to galvanize this opportunity to leave a legacy for years to come” said Zac Brown, executive director of Pride House San Francisco. “These workshops in partnership with Center for Healing and Justice through Sport are a catalyst for the next generation to experience sport in a more welcoming, healing and joyous way for years to come.”
Pride House SF has been building toward this World Cup moment as a hub for LGBTQ+ sports community, visibility, and belonging in San Francisco. Street Soccer USA brings years of experience using soccer as a tool for social change, reaching more than 15,000 participants across 14 cities with a play-based, trauma-informed approach.
