• by Tanya Gazdik , 4 hours ago

Mazda North America is partnering with TeamSnap to recognize the coaches who create positive experiences for young athletes and their families. 

To kick off the community-engagement program, Mazda will recognize five exceptional youth coaches from across the country through a partnership with "Good Morning America." 

Each coach will be awarded with a Mazda CX-90 in honor of their extraordinary local impact. The program also reaches beyond the initial winners and to additional coaches across the country.

Through Oct. 18, families with kids who play sports can nominate their favorite coach by visiting the nomination page.

Coaches play an enormous role in whether kids stay engaged in sports, said Peter Frintzilas, chief executive officer of TeamSnap, a youth sports management platform.

"TeamSnap is committed to helping sports families and organizers navigate the demands of youth sports, with a focus on supporting coaches who devote significant time and energy to their teams,” Frintzilas says in a statement. “Mazda's investment in this community makes them a natural partner as we celebrate and elevate the coaches who make a lasting difference."

Youth sports coaches can also receive a $250 vehicle incentive when they purchase a new Mazda vehicle at their local dealership, paired with an additional $250 match donation from Mazda to fund essential team needs and everyday coaching costs. 

"Many of us remember that one coach who changed our lives," said Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda North America in a statement. "At Mazda, we believe great coaches make an impact not through winning, but through genuine care for their athletes, building life-long confidence and character that carries far beyond the game.”

According to a report by ProjectPlay, more than 27.3 million athletes aged 6 to 18 in America today participate in organized sports. However, as youth sports become increasingly professionalized, kids are losing the innate joy that defines childhood sports. A 2026 Aspen Institute survey found the average kid quits organized sports by age 13, not because they stop loving the game, but because the pressure around it takes out the fun.