Jim Thompson
Ashoka Fellow since 2004   |   United States

Jim Thompson

Positive Coaching Alliance
Working against the dominant conception of sports as a sphere for flamboyant and ruthless competition, Jim Thompson reestablishes competitive athletics as a space in which all youth can acquire the…
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This description of Jim Thompson's work was prepared when Jim Thompson was elected to the Ashoka Fellowship in 2004.

Introduction

Working against the dominant conception of sports as a sphere for flamboyant and ruthless competition, Jim Thompson reestablishes competitive athletics as a space in which all youth can acquire the skills and values they need for lasting success.

The New Idea

Jim Thompson is leading a movement to make character education the primary focus of youth sports without sacrificing competitiveness. He recognizes in sports an unparalleled opportunity for young people to build skills of leadership, communication, and cooperation. Where many others have failed,Read more

The Problem

During the rise of the sports entertainment industry over the last 30 years, youth sports have seemed to lose their power to teach social values, such as, sportsmanship, community, and respect. In place of purposeful character education, young athletes often experience intimidation, violence, andRead more

The Strategy

Jim Thompson founded the Positive Coaching Alliance to make character education the primary focus of youth sports, organizing his efforts around a program to change the culture of sports away from the entertainment model of professional sports to an educational model. His ambitious goal requiresRead more

The Person

From 1987 to 1998 Jim Thompson directed the Public Management Program for MBA students at Stanford University, guiding the development of hundreds of budding social entrepreneurs. When his son grew old enough to join the world of sports, Jim was excited at first, dismayed that the new world ofRead more

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