This past weekend, the Walter Payton Training Center, home of the Chicago Bears, played host to an inspiring blend of football, leadership, and community service. Soldiers To Sidelines (STS), powered by Ticketmaster, held its “Coach-the-Coach” Football Coaching Workshop and Skills Clinic, delivering a unique experience that brought together veterans, local youth, and the wider Chicago community.
Football Coaching Workshop and Skills Clinic
The 2-day event began with the STS Football Coaching Workshop, where 10 Soldier Coaches — all military veterans or active duty service members — received specialized training in coaching techniques, leadership, and youth engagement. These Soldier Coaches not only honed their skills on how to effectively lead sports practices but also deepened their understanding of teamwork, character development, and the powerful role that athletics can play in shaping future leaders.
The capstone of the weekend was a FREE High School Football Skills Clinic, offered to student-athletes from North Chicago High School, Michelle Clark High School, and Phoenix Military Academy. Over 60 high school athletes were transported to the Walter Payton Training Center where they received hands-on coaching from certified Soldier Coaches, supported by collegiate and professional coaches. The clinic focused on instilling the core values of work ethic, discipline, and sportsmanship while teaching position-specific football skills in a fun and engaging environment.
In addition to Ticketmaster’s generous sponsorship, the event was made possible by the invaluable support of Wounded Warrior Project, Gatorade, the Randy Walker Legacy Foundation, and Cigna. Their commitment to community engagement and youth development helped create an unforgettable day of learning and growth for both the Soldier Coaches and the student-athletes. Gatorade kept the athletes fueled and hydrated throughout the clinic, while Cigna and the Randy Walker Legacy Foundation demonstrated their ongoing support for programs that bridge the military-civilian divide and invest in the next generation.
The event not only offered athletic instruction but also provided a platform to foster meaningful connections among sponsors, military personnel, veterans, and local families. These connections create a ripple effect that impacts local communities and strengthens the bond between military service and civilian life. The Soldier Coaches left empowered with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue serving their communities as mentors and role models through sports.
Soldiers To Sidelines continues to demonstrate how athletics can be a powerful vehicle for leadership development, community building, and national service. By investing in our veterans and creating pathways for them to contribute their skills to underserved communities, STS is shaping not only better coaches but also better citizens.
Special thanks again to Ticketmaster, Wounded Warrior Project, Gatorade, Cigna, and the Randy Walker Legacy Foundation for their generous support, and to the Chicago Bears for hosting such a meaningful event. The smiles, high-fives, and teamwork on display were a testament to the positive impact that can happen when service, sports, and community come together.
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