Meet Mike Geddes and Michael Kodama - two visionary leaders transforming the coaching landscape, from grassroots programs to global initiatives, with a passion for elevating the way coaching is taught, shared, and experienced.

The CSSJ Making Moves podcast presents Part 2 of our coaching series, featuring host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMC, founder of AthMindset and mental performance coach for the Oakland Roots Soccer Club, along with co-host Andrea Corrigan, sociology senior, lifelong athlete, nonprofit leader and CSSJ student.

This episode features two guests with expertise in coaching diversity and sport equity:

Mike Geddes is the co-founder and chief purpose officer of the Oakland Roots Soccer Club and Oakland Soul Soccer Club, bringing a vision of soccer as a tool for community building and cultural inclusion.

Michael Kodama serves as the Community Relations Manager for United Soccer Coaches (the largest soccer coaches association in the world) and works as a project manager for the Communities Initiative to grow play opportunities for historically underserved communities.

In this episode, Andrea introduces our theme of examining the systems behind coaching and who gets opportunities to lead. Lisa interviews Mike and Michael about building inclusive, purpose-driven teams and discusses the following topics:

@ 2:49 - What diversity in coaching means and why diverse perspectives strengthen teams

@ 6:02 - Mike Geddes on Oakland Roots/Soul initiatives to uplift diversity: Community Coach Leadership Program and Switch the Pitch

@ 13:58 - Michael Kodama on United Soccer Coaches' 10 affinity groups serving over 6,000 coaches

@ 17:33 - The innovate to Grow program: supporting communities across the country

@ 21:23 - Challenges in implementing diversity initiatives in coaching

@ 24:08 - How the profit-driven youth soccer system creates barriers to access

@ 28:05 - Ways young coaches can address structural inequities in sports

@ 32:10 - Challenges with cultural competency in coaching education

@ 36:07 - The importance of meeting coaches and communities where they are

@ 39:33 - How young coaches can make an impact through mentorship and player empowerment

@ 41:52 - Final thoughts on keeping the focus on youth enjoyment and development (Mike)

@ 43:49 - Final thoughts on coaching as impacting lives and creating lasting memories (Michael)

Resources:

Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club

United Soccer Coaches - Communities Initiative

Oakland Sport Equity Coalition - Only 14% of Oakland youth get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily

Funding:

Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves. Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible!

AthMindset - https://www.athmindset.io/

SportsE Media - https://sportsepreneur.com/

The next episode will explore trans inclusion in sports, from locker rooms to legislation.