LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2026) – On Saturday, April 25, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will launch its 2026 Coaches Training series in partnership with Nike, beginning at Dodgers Dreamfields No. 35 and 36 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dodgers alumnus and broadcaster Nomar Garciaparra will be in attendance**.**
LADF’s Coaches Training series develops coaches and equips them with the tools to teach baseball and softball fundamentals to Dodgers Dreamteam participants, implement trauma-informed coaching, foster positive youth development, and use sport as a vehicle for social change. The curriculum is created and taught in collaboration with coach investment partners Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, Dodgers Training Academy, and the Positive Coaching Alliance
Throughout the morning, coaches, including those from the Dodgers Dreamteam program, will participate in three dynamic educational sessions focused on best practices for skill development and youth engagement. LADF is leveling up the game by equipping coaches with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to help young athletes build connection, resilience, and confidence, on and off the field, with a goal of training more than 1,500 coaches across the 2026 season.
“Our coaches are vital to the success of Dodgers Dreamteam. They not only create good ballplayers, but help shape future leaders and guide young people to make positive decisions,” said Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “We’re excited to kick off our 10th Coaches Training Series and welcome new mentors as we continue building on the 7,200 coaches we’ve already trained who play an integral role in supporting youth across our communities.”
LADF honors the life and legacy of legend Jackie Robinson through the “Living Jackie’s Nine Playbook,” providing coaches with a resource to integrate his core values, such as teamwork, integrity, and leadership, into their coaching. The playbook is available in English and Spanish, expanding its accessibility to a broader community of coaches.
In addition to the training, participants will have photo opportunities with the 2025 World Series trophy, receive snacks and beverages, and receive a pair of complimentary Dodgers home game tickets.
Prospective coaches interested in learning more about Dodgers Dreamteam can visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam.
DODGERS DREAMTEAM COACHES TRAINING – GENERAL EVENT DETAILS
WHO: Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
Deanne Dedmon, Regional Recreation Director, County of Los Angeles
Department of Parks and Recreation
Nomar Garciaparra, Los Angeles Dodgers Alumni & Broadcaster
Vic Johnson, Center for Healing and Justice through Sport
Tim Penprase, Dodgers Training Academy
More than 500 coaches from the Dodgers Dreamteam program, non-profit and education organizations, local baseball and softball programs, and other youth sports coaches
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
8:45 AM: Media Check-In Begins
9:00 AM: Welcome/Introduction in Center Field
9:10 AM: Coaches Photo Opp
9:15 AM-12:00 PM: Coaches Alternate Through Trainings
- “Healing-Centered Sport: Building Connection, Resilience, and Confidence,” presented by the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport.
- “Skills and Drills” presented by Dodgers Training Academy
12:00 PM: Living Jackie’s Nine Playbook Distribution
*Private and invite only
WHERE: Franklin D. Roosevelt Park | 7600 Graham Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90001
MEDIA
RSVP: Alex Torres or Dan Nasitka at RSVP@rocketlaunchagency.com
WHY: Following the 2022 All-Star game, and combined with the 2020 All-Star Legacy commitment, MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers and LADF invested $6.2 million to benefit nonprofit organizations and impact the lives of individuals throughout Greater Los Angeles. Through the legacy initiative, the goals to improve Sports Based Youth Development (SBYD) work were to expand paid coach mentor positions from 30 to 75 by 2025, recruit and train 1,500 coaches in trauma-sensitive sports-based youth development practices by 2024, develop a first-of-its-kind coach playbook, and launch a coach certificate program – all of which have been completed.
VISUALS & INTERVIEW
OPPORTUNITIES:
- Picture and video opportunities of Dodgers Dreamteam Coaches convening for insightful conversations to best nurture youth
- Interviews with LADF CEO Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman
- Video and picture opportunities with Nomar Garciaparra
- Photo opportunities with 2025 World Series Trophy
- Interview opportunities with Dodgers Dreamteam coordinators, coaches, instructors, and more
SOCIAL
MEDIA: Follow on X @DodgersFdn, Instagram @dodgersfoundation, and Facebook Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
About the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation:
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) tackles the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health, homelessness prevention, and social justice for all Angelenos. Under its new strategic plan, “Lasting Impact for Los Angeles,” LADF is amplifying best practices, scaling solutions, growing its capacity, and refining its work with investments exceeding $76.5 million in its programs and grants. To date, LADF has positively impacted over 11.5 million youth. LADF is the proud recipient of ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award, Beyond Sport's Sport for Reduced Racial Inequalities Collective Impact Award, and the Aspen Institute Project Play Champion. To learn more, visit Dodgers.com/LADF and join the conversation on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
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CONTACTS:
Alex Torres
Rocket Launch / LADF
Ally Salvage
Los Angeles Dodgers