National Be a Good Teammate Day
July 22
About National Be a Good Teammate Day
National Be a Good Teammate Day takes place every year on 22 July, encouraging people to put others first and strengthen the teams they belong to, whether on the sports field, in the workplace, or at home. It is a day about generosity, accountability, and the small everyday actions that make a group stronger. The day was created by author, speaker, and former college basketball coach Lance Loya, founder of The Good Teammate Factory.
What is National Be a Good Teammate Day?
National Be a Good Teammate Day is an awareness day dedicated to the idea that being a good teammate is a choice anyone can make, in any walk of life. It promotes selflessness, encouragement, and the willingness to lift others up rather than focus solely on personal success. While its language is rooted in sport, the message applies just as readily to colleagues, classmates, family members, and friends. The day asks a simple question: what would happen if everyone made an effort to be a slightly better teammate?
When is National Be a Good Teammate Day?
National Be a Good Teammate Day falls on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. It is observed on the same date every year. Loya chose 22 July deliberately: the numbers reflect his old high school jersey numbers, 7 for football and 22 for basketball, and the date sits about as far from Christmas as possible, giving it a spot in the calendar all of its own.
Why National Be a Good Teammate Day Matters
Strong teams underpin almost everything people achieve together, from sporting success to workplace performance and healthy family life. Research into group dynamics consistently shows that trust, encouragement, and a sense of shared purpose drive better outcomes than individual talent alone. By spotlighting the behaviours that make a good teammate, the day offers a practical framework for improving relationships and culture wherever people gather. It pairs naturally with workplace-focused occasions such as Gruntled Workers Day, which celebrates contentment and goodwill at work.
How to Get Involved in National Be a Good Teammate Day
Marking the day is straightforward, and most of the ideas cost nothing more than a little thought and effort.
- Encourage someone – Offer genuine words of support to a teammate, colleague, or friend who could use a lift. Encouragement is one of the simplest ways to be a good teammate.
- Put the team first – Volunteer for the task no one else wants, or step back to let someone else shine. Selflessness sits at the heart of the day.
- Say thank you – Recognise the contributions of others, especially those whose work often goes unnoticed.
- Be reliable – Follow through on your commitments. Dependability is a quality every good teammate shares.
- Welcome a newcomer – Help someone new feel included, whether on a team, in a class, or at work.
- Read Loya’s work – Explore Lance Loya’s books and resources on teamwork to deepen your understanding of the day’s message.
- Share the message – Use social media to spread the idea, tagging the teammates who have made a difference to you.
- Lead by example – If you coach, teach, or manage, model good teammate behaviour so others can follow your lead.
History of National Be a Good Teammate Day
The day was created by Lance Loya, a former college basketball coach who became a best-selling author, blogger, podcaster, and keynote speaker on the subject of teamwork. His book “Be a Good Teammate” laid out the principles that would later inspire the observance, and his message has since been embraced by sports teams, school districts, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies alike.
Loya has spoken about how the day grew out of a personal desire to rid his life of self-centredness. As he studied what it truly means to be a good teammate, he came to want the date associated with something larger than himself, and he successfully campaigned to have 22 July recognised as National Be a Good Teammate Day. The choice of date carried personal meaning, drawn from his high school jersey numbers.
Since its founding, the day has spread through schools, sports clubs, and businesses that use it as a focal point for conversations about culture and character. The Good Teammate Factory, Loya’s organisation, continues to provide books, talks, and resources that keep the message alive throughout the year.
Noteworthy Facts About National Be a Good Teammate Day
- The day was founded by author and former college basketball coach Lance Loya.
- The 22 July date reflects Loya’s high school football number (7) and basketball number (22).
- Loya chose the date partly because it sits about as far from Christmas as the calendar allows.
- His teamwork principles have been adopted by Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and school districts.
- The day grew from Loya’s personal mission to overcome self-centredness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Be a Good Teammate Day?
It is an awareness day promoting selflessness, encouragement, and teamwork, reminding people that being a good teammate is a choice available to everyone.
When is National Be a Good Teammate Day in 2026?
National Be a Good Teammate Day takes place on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, the same date every year.
Who created National Be a Good Teammate Day?
The day was created by Lance Loya, a former college basketball coach, best-selling author, and founder of The Good Teammate Factory.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Be a Good Teammate Day with your friends, family, and teammates. Use the hashtags #BeAGoodTeammateDay and #BeAGoodTeammateDay2026 on social media. The more people who embrace the message, the bigger the impact.
Related Awareness Days
- Gruntled Workers Day – Celebrates contentment and goodwill in the workplace, a natural partner to good teamwork.
- National Employee Appreciation Day – A day for recognising and valuing the people who make teams succeed.
- World Wellbeing Week – A global campaign promoting wellbeing, connection, and supportive communities.
Links
- Visit the official National Be a Good Teammate Day page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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