What Is Sports Challenge
Sports Challenge is a 5-day sports leadership program for rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders playing soccer (boys and girls) and basketball (boys and girls). This program brings together a diverse group of student-athletes from across the northern Delaware region who are committed to developing their leadership skills with the same commitment and focus they bring to their sport. Participants will engage in focused sports practices, leadership and sports psychology sessions, and team-based activities, all designed to build character-driven leaders on and off the field.
Sports Challenge Details
Dates: June 8-12, 2026
Location: Sanford School
6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 7–9 in Fall 2026
Tuition:
A sliding scale based on your financial needs is available.
Registration Rates:
-
Early Bird Registration: $575 (if registered before April 7)
-
Standard Registration: $675 (for registrations on or after April 7)
Sports Instruction
Individual skill development takes place in small groups, allowing for focused coaching and personalized feedback. We challenge student-athletes to step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and gradually turn weaknesses into strengths. By the end of the program, athletes leave with a mature understanding of their sport and the confidence to showcase an expanded, well-rounded skill set.
Each Day Includes: 2 Intense Athletic Sessions
Sport-Specific Training: Skill development tailored to integrate daily leadership theme
Vitamins Session: Our signature high-energy speed, strength, and agility workout which features drills and conditioning methods used by college programs and professional athletes
Sports Challenge Schedule
OUR COACHES & CURRICULUM
All Sports Challenge coaches are current or former college athletes with experience competing at the highest levels of their sport. They create the unique community that defines the Sports Challenge experience and bring firsthand knowledge of elite training and competition directly to our student-athletes. Our coaches play a vital role in shaping the “SC Experience,” guiding and inspiring each participant throughout the program. Â
The curriculum is designed and continuously refined by career educators. Our research-based, interactive classes are led by engaging teachers who challenge student-athletes to identify their leadership strengths and intentionally improve areas for growth. Over the five days of Sports Challenge and beyond, participants develop skills that translate both on and off the field.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Each day is intentionally designed to reinforce a specific leadership competency, using Strive’s leadership development approach on and off the field.Â
Daily schedule includes:
- 1-2 Leadership Classes Daily Leadership ForumÂ
- Sports Psychology ClassÂ
Core Leadership Competencies:
Risk
Self-Awareness
Motivation
Teamwork
Gratitude
SPORTS CHALLENGE TUTION
Early Bird Registration: $575 if registered before April 7
Standard Registration: $675 for registrations on or after April 7
Scholarships are available to all students to help ensure that financial circumstances never limit participation
For any questions about Sports Challenge, please contact Allie at allie@striveleadership.org
ARE YOU A SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR?
Fill out the nomination form to nominate students from your school or organization to attend Sports Challenge!
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