EMPOWERING YOUTH, INSPIRING SUCCESS.
Welcome to Coaching Skills for Life (CSFL), where we empower students through athletics and academic support to help them reach their full potential. Our mission is to build strong, supportive relationships that inspire students to excel in school, the community, and beyond.
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE! - Donate, Volunteer, or Learn More!
TEAM VISION
We envision a future where all students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in school, the community, and beyond.
ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Several years ago, Coaching Skills for Life (CSFL) was founded in response to the closing of Virginia Beach City Public Schools due to Covid-19. Our purpose was to ease the burdens placed on minority students and their families by providing vital support during a critical time.
Today, we continue our commitment to the Hampton Roads community, offering youth athletics and academic programs designed to inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential.
MISSION STATEMENT
“The mission of Coaching Skills for Life is to support and nurture the career and educational growth and development of elementary, middle, and high school students, providing them with the life skills, mentorship, and coaching they need to reach their full potential.”
"The glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall."
~ Nelson Mandela
PROGRAMS
CSFL offers a variety of programs that combine athletics, mentoring, and academic support to help students navigate school and life challenges.
COACHING & MENTORSHIP
Guidance and Support for Lifelong Success
We provide positive role models who mentor students, helping them stay committed to their education and overcome personal obstacles..
SPORTS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Building Confidence and Teamwork Through Active Participation
Participation in sports and extracurricular activities builds self-confidence, improves academic performance, and fosters important life skills like teamwork and leadership.
READING ROLE MODELS
Empowering Young Minds Through the Power of Reading
Designed to empower young men between the ages of 9-14, this program promotes literacy and helps students develop strong reading and critical thinking skills.
FIELD TRIPS
Exploring New Horizons Beyond the Classroom
We organize enriching field trips that provide students with opportunities to explore, learn, and grow outside the classroom.
GUESTS SPEAKER SERIES
Inspiration and Insight from Leaders and Experts
Our speaker series exposes students to diverse perspectives, encouraging them to think critically and broaden their understanding of the world.
GOOD GRADES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Celebrating Academic Excellence and Dedication
We celebrate academic success through our Good Grades program, rewarding students in grades 6-12 who achieve A/B Honor Roll status.
"If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go."
– James Baldwin
GET INVOLVED
Your support is crucial to the success of CSFL and the students we serve. There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference.
DONATE
Support our mission by making a monetary donation. Your contributions help fund our programs and provide essential resources for students.
Donate via Cash App:
$coachingskills4life or send a check to Coaching Skills for Life, 2037 Chicory St., Virginia Beach, VA 23453
VOLUNTEER:
Join our team of dedicated volunteers! Whether you can provide coaching, mentoring, or other support, your time and expertise are invaluable. Sign up today to help us make a lasting impact on our community.
Your donation can make a significant impact on the lives of students in our community. Help us continue to provide essential support and opportunities for growth.
In-Kind Contributions:
We also welcome in-kind donations, such as tickets to sporting events, passes to local attractions, and more. These contributions help us provide enriching experiences for our students..
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
– Coretta Scott King
OUR TEAM
Meet the dedicated individuals behind Coaching Skills for Life. Our team of volunteer coaches are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and their families.
GARY R CASON
FOUNDER
As the founder of CSFL, Gary’s life’s work has a greater purpose beyond his own material needs. He takes pride in contributing to the community by building trusting relationships that motivate students to overcome obstacles and succeed.
ELISHA 'CADILLAC' HARRIS
VOLUNTEER COACH
Elisha "Cadillac" Harris is a seasoned coach and educator with a rich history of teaching and coaching across Hampton Roads and North Carolina, including at Elizabeth City State University and Norfolk State University. He has mentored five NFL players, including three Super Bowl participants and a world-class sprinter. A native of Virginia Beach, Harris graduated from Norfolk State University, where his football teams were inducted into the NSU Hall of Fame. He holds a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from George Washington University. Now retired, Harris teaches Drivers Education and volunteers with several community organizations. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys coaching football camps and mentoring youth.
MARK BUTTS
Volunteer Coach
Majored in Art Education at Virginia Wesleyan College, my wife has an Associate degree in secretarial science from TCC, my oldest daughter has a Bachelor Degree and Master’s from William and Mary College and her PHD from ODU. My youngest daughter has a BA from Barton College and her master’s degree from East Carolina. We are a family that values education. Combined with a love for sports.
RON JENKINS
volunteer COACH
THAD HAROLD
volunteer COACH
RICKY HAILEY
volunteer COACH
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team."
– Phil Jackson
CONTACT US
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in learning more about our programs or volunteering please reach out using the form below.
