Achieving success is more than just winning championships. At Steel Sports, we set our athletes up to be champions in life by molding strong leaders through character development and work in the community. We strive to provide all youth the opportunity to develop as athletes and as people through education and competition. Our programs promote the overall welfare of youth in the community through charitable and recognition activities.
ATHLETE - COMMUNITY - ECOSYSTEM
ATHLETE
Challenge Coin Program
The Steel Sports Challenge Coin program offers positive feedback, acknowledgement, and awareness to athletes who exemplify our core values (Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment) as well as demonstrate exceptional work in the areas of servant leadership and character. Our challenge coin is a small coin or medallion attached to a key chain, bearing the Steel Sports logo, and carried by Steel athletes. There are three tiers for each category, and coins may be awarded at any time during the course of a season. Coins are awarded by coaches, but teammates, parents, and staff may nominate players for a coach to consider.
Athlete Leadership Council
Across the country, athletes are selected to serve on their region’s Athlete Leadership Council. Together, each group hones their leadership skills, plans and executes service events, and dives deeper into the Steel Sports core values. The council will collaborate on shaping the future for Steel Sports and will have opportunities to grow in areas outside of sport including journalism, podcasts, an athlete newsletter, and hosting national leadership events during the year.
Leaders of Character Program
Steel Sports seeks to build character, teach life lessons and develop our athletes as leaders. In collaboration with Ivy League and West Point psychologists, Steel Sports is implementing a set of activities that are scientifically proven to improve our players’ character, leadership and athletic skill.
COMMUNITY
Monthly Service Themes
Each month, Steel Sports is dedicated to a service theme to help provide for those in need or raise awareness for a specific cause. Our athletes, coaches and families donate goods, food, sports equipment, visit nursing homes and children’s hospitals, raise money, create awareness and much more. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF OUR MONTHLY SERVICE THEMES.
Women of Steel
Network of women coaches and staff that inspire, educate, and empower. Members collaborate to fulfill the needs of current members and to promote growth for women within Steel. Ultimate goal is to maximize our impact on kids by providing excellent women role models.
IDEALS
Sports Unify. Steel IDEALS is committed to supporting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship and Leadership in Sports among all athletes, coaches and staff. IDEALS assists in the creation of policies and culture that ensures inclusivity with its ultimate goal being to maximize our impact on kids by promoting diverse adult mentors.
ECOSYSTEM
Steel Sports and Steel Partners
Sports Unify. Steel IDEALS is committed to supporting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship and Leadership in Sports among all athletes, coaches and staff. IDEALS assists in the creation of policies and culture that ensures inclusivity with its ultimate goal being to maximize our impact on kids by promoting diverse adult mentors.
INTERNSHIPS
Steel Sports athletes have opportunities to intern with Steel Partners companies across the nation, and in return, Steel Sports provides internships to Steel Partners employees’ children in coaching, sports management, brand and communication and other areas.