The Soldiers To Sidelines Football Coaching Workshop in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and powered by Ticketmaster, was an unforgettable weekend of learning, camaraderie, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Across three days, Soldier Coaches not only gained valuable football knowledge from expert mentors but also enjoyed unprecedented access to the Seahawks organization, their facilities, and their game-day environment.
Day One: Welcome to Seattle & Lumen Field Reception
The weekend kicked off on Friday with the arrival of our Soldier Coaches at the team hotel, where they checked in before walking to Lumen Field for the welcome reception. The Seahawks hosted us in style, providing food and refreshments and creating an environment where Soldier Coaches could meet one another, connect with Soldiers To Sidelines staff, and set expectations for the weekend ahead. Kyle Dougherty gave the group a thorough tour of the stadium, including the team’s locker room, which was prepped for game day. Following the Tour, Harrison moderated an inspiring discussion with former Seahawks Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who shared stories of his career and lessons that apply both on and off the field. Once the group went to the reception area, they were greeted with individualized, authentic Seattle Seahawks jerseys and other team apparel.
The evening at Lumen Field set the tone—standing in one of the NFL’s most iconic stadiums, the group could feel the energy of what was to come.
Day Two: Learning at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Saturday began with breakfast before boarding buses to the Seahawks’ state-of-the-art practice facility, the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC). Coaches dove right into football education with film study sessions led by Coach Bernstein and Coach Brady. They covered the essentials of formation recognition, situational analysis, and the fundamentals of breaking down film like a professional coach. Soldier Coaches then had the chance to apply these lessons in small groups, putting their new skills into action. Midway through the lesson, Seahawks Tight Ends Coach, Mac Brown, stopped in to teach about the nuances of several types of twelve personnel.
After the classroom session, the Seahawks invited our Soldier Coaches to observe the team walkthrough, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the VMAC. This rare access gave participants a firsthand look at how an NFL organization operates at the highest level. After walk through several of the coaches and players came over to mingle with the Soldier Coaches.
The learning continued in the Seahawks’ team film room, where Soldier Coaches engaged in exercises such as drawing offensive and defensive play cards, reflecting on the mechanics of walkthroughs, and even leading their own walkthroughs under the guidance of our coaching staff.
That evening, Soldier Coaches gathered for a Military Thriving® social, building deeper connections with one another and continuing to share ideas about coaching, leadership, and service. Soldiers To Sidelines partner ZeroMils assembled leaders from industry, like Neighborly Amazon, Wells Fargo, and National University.
Day Three: Game Day & Unforgettable Experiences
Sunday was nothing short of extraordinary. The group walked to Lumen Field for game day and joined together to hold the American flag during the National Anthem, standing tall on the field as the Seahawks prepared to face the New Orleans Saints.
The atmosphere was electric as the Seahawks battled the Saints, ultimately earning the victory. For Soldier Coaches, celebrating a Seattle win capped off a weekend of learning, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences.
Gratitude and Impact
Soldiers To Sidelines extends a heartfelt thank you to the Seattle Seahawks and Ticketmaster for making this workshop possible. From personalized jerseys to access to world-class facilities, the Seahawks organization went above and beyond to honor and empower our Soldier Coaches.
Workshops like these embody the Soldiers To Sidelines mission: to educate, develop, and certify members of the military community to coach and lead in sports and life. By partnering with organizations like the Seahawks, we’re able to provide not just coaching education, but transformational experiences that honor the service and sacrifice of our Soldiers.
As we reflect on this weekend, we are reminded of the power of sport to bring people together, inspire leadership, and build community. The Seahawks’ victory over the Saints was the cherry on top of a weekend that our Soldier Coaches will carry with them forever.
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