If affiliated with Nike, PBHA would simply help to recruit coaches. Students not affiliated with PBHA are welcome to apply directly to Nike now, Hockman said.

Despite PBHA's hesitance to join forces with Nike on the project, Gabrielson said there has been a lot of support from Harvard for the program already.

"Ballpark, I would say upwards of 50 students [responded], which on the scale of things means Harvard is leading the way for Boston schools," she said.

Silverman coaches a youth soccer program for Nike and Schneller coaches youth ice skating.

Soccer, basketball, tennis and football are among some of the other sports which volunteers can coach, Gabrielson said.

The application process to become a volunteer coach involves several steps, Gabrielson said. The first step is to send an application to Nike. If the application is accepted, Gabrielson said Nike will offer the students coaching positions in the area.

"[The program requires] a written application, a letter of recommendation, a transcript and what's called a local match," she said. "Once they send in an application, they secure placement coaching in a local boys' and girls' club or a YMCA, for example."

Coaches are expected to volunteer 80 to 100 hours over the course of a season, and will receive a $500 stipend toward their tuition from Nike.

Hochman, who rowed in the 1988 Olympics, said she developed the PLAY CORPS program at Nike by modeling it after experiences she had while sponsoring athletics among black children in South Africa.

According to Hochman, organizations from Boston College, Northeastern, Boston University and MIT have already become involved in the project