Soldiers to Sidelines: Helping Veterans Find Purpose Through Coaching

Soldiers to Sidelines, a veteran charity, has certified over 1,800 "soldier coaches" who have found a renewed sense of purpose after serving their country. This article delves into the organization's mission, impact, and the inspiring stories of veterans like Maurice Allen, who has gone on to become a successful head football coach.

Maurice Allen has adorned many hats throughout his life. From being a U.S. Army veteran to a husband, father, and football coach, his multifaceted journey has led him to a unique mission: serving as a "soldier coach."

Allen, a retired Army communications specialist, is among the 1,800-plus "soldier coaches" certified through Soldiers to Sidelines, a veteran charity that empowers service members to find a renewed sense of purpose through coaching. After serving in Afghanistan, Allen yearned to return to his passion for coaching. However, he knew he needed additional training and support to make his dreams a reality.

Soldiers to Sidelines: Helping Veterans Find Purpose Through Coaching

In 2012, Allen entered the U.S. Army, serving for four years and deploying to Afghanistan. After completing his service, he pursued his education, earning a Bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. Yet, his heart kept tugging him towards coaching.

That's when he discovered Soldiers to Sidelines, a lifeline for veterans seeking purpose beyond military service. The organization's mission is to empower members of the military community to serve their youth through coaching.

Soldiers to Sidelines: Helping Veterans Find Purpose Through Coaching

Soldiers to Sidelines President and Founder Harrison Bernstein conceived the idea for a coaching program tailored specifically for service members in 2010. Inspired by news of soldiers returning from the Middle East seeking solace and fulfillment, Bernstein decided to create a platform to reconnect them through coaching.

Despite initial reservations, Bernstein held a seminar that attracted only six attendees. Nonetheless, that moment ignited a spark within him, and Soldiers to Sidelines was born. Today, over 1,800 soldier coaches have been certified across eight different sports.

Soldiers to Sidelines: Helping Veterans Find Purpose Through Coaching

The program is free and open to veterans, service members, military spouses, and gold-star families. Upon completion of the certification process, Soldiers to Sidelines provides ongoing learning opportunities through webinars, workshops, and more.

Maurice Allen is a testament to the transformative power of Soldiers to Sidelines. After completing his certification, he went on to coach at various schools across Texas, Florida, and Georgia. In the spring of 2023, he made history by becoming the first soldier coach to land an internship with an NFL team, the New York Jets.

Soldiers to Sidelines: Helping Veterans Find Purpose Through Coaching

Allen's experience with the Jets opened his eyes to the possibility of coaching at the highest level. He soaked up knowledge from the team's intricate practice drills and coaching points. It was an unforgettable experience that left him with invaluable connections and a wealth of wisdom to share with his community.

Now, Allen serves as the head football coach at South Paulding High School in Georgia. He carries the Soldiers to Sidelines mission with him, spreading the word to fellow veterans about the transformative power of coaching.

"There's a team outside of the military that you can join and be a part of," Allen emphasizes. "Soldiers to Sidelines gives you a purpose, and you can touch so many lives... It's for any veteran out there that is interested or looking to transition, or even if you're still active duty and you're coaching a youth or middle school team."

Soldiers to Sidelines has become a beacon of hope for veterans seeking a meaningful path after serving their country. It has not only transformed the lives of individual veterans but also enriched the lives of countless youth across the nation. As the organization continues to grow, its impact will undoubtedly continue to resonate throughout communities for years to come.