Soldiers to Sidelines, a non-profit organization, provides veterans with a renewed sense of purpose by certifying them as coaches, fostering their transition back into civilian life and positively impacting youth communities.
Maurice Allen, a U.S. Army veteran and aspiring football coach, exemplifies the transformative power of Soldiers to Sidelines, a veteran charity organization. Allen's military service ignited within him a deep desire to serve his country and, after dedicating four years to the Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan, he transitioned to civilian life with aspirations of coaching.
Embracing his passion for football, Allen pursued his education, earning a Bachelor's degree and a Masters of Education in Sports Administration. During this time, he discovered Soldiers to Sidelines, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans through coaching while serving youth communities.
Soldiers to Sidelines: Empowering Veterans Through Coaching
Established in 2010, Soldiers to Sidelines was founded by Harrison Bernstein, a former assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Washington Commanders. Inspired by the struggles faced by service members returning from deployment, Bernstein envisioned a program that would provide veterans with a sense of purpose and connection.
Allen, drawn to Soldiers to Sidelines' mission of giving back to the military and civilian communities, reached out to Bernstein and attended a seminar. The organization's dedication to veteran support resonated deeply with him, becoming a guiding force in his coaching journey.
Soldiers to Sidelines: Empowering Veterans Through Coaching
Soldiers to Sidelines offers free certification programs to veterans, service members, military spouses, and gold-star families. The comprehensive training includes online coursework, webinars, and workshops designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to succeed as coaches.
Over 1,800 "soldier coaches" have been certified through the program, representing a diverse group of veterans, retired and active-duty military personnel, and military family members. These coaches have gone on to make a tangible impact at all levels of coaching, particularly at the youth level.
Soldiers to Sidelines: Empowering Veterans Through Coaching
Allen's success as a football coach is a testament to the power of Soldiers to Sidelines. Currently serving as the head football coach at South Paulding High School in Georgia, Allen has previously coached at various high schools across the country.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Soldiers to Sidelines facilitated Allen's internship with the New York Jets during mandatory minicamp and OTAs. This unique opportunity granted Allen invaluable insights into the intricacies of NFL coaching and further fueled his aspirations for coaching at the highest level.
Soldiers to Sidelines: Empowering Veterans Through Coaching
Beyond his own coaching ambitions, Allen is passionate about spreading the mission of Soldiers to Sidelines. He encourages veterans transitioning out of the military to consider the organization as a bridge to a fulfilling and purpose-driven civilian life.
Soldiers to Sidelines offers veterans a sense of belonging, an opportunity to mentor and inspire youth, and a platform to continue serving their communities. Allen's experience exemplifies the transformative impact of the program, empowering veterans to lead impactful lives beyond their military service.
