Volunteer

Recreational Soccer Coach

OVERVIEW
Rec League Coaches work with one team of girls and/or boys within the SBU Recreational Soccer League during Fall and/or Spring Seasons. Coaches run short practices and manage games for youth that compete against the other teams within the SBU league, which consists of 9 age groups and 62 teams. Coaches not only share the joy of playing the sport but also reinforce the values that sport helps develop (teamwork, discipline, respect, etc).

WHEN
• Saturday morning/afternoon in Fall and Spring. Coaches volunteer a set 1.5-2 hour slot between 9:00 am-5:00 pm. The time slot is dependent on the age group being coached.
• Fall runs September - November
• Spring runs March - June

WHERE
Please note, this is an in-person volunteer opportunity

Coaches are only required to be at one site:
• Macombs Dam Field: 161st Street between River and Jerome Avenues. The field is on the south side of Yankee Stadium across from Gate 4.
• Foster Park: Jerome Avenue at 165th Street. Park is on the north side of Yankee Stadium.
• Patterson Playground: College Avenue at 147th Street.

COMMITMENT
• Coaches must be able to commit to being present for at least 1.5 hours every Saturday (excluding holiday weekends) during the season
• One season commitment minimum, but two seasons is preferred
• Coaches should understand they will be the point person for contact with families and players and willing to make phone calls home to ensure plays are aware of games/other important news

RESPONSIBILITIES
Coaching according to positive principles:

• Use encouragement and positive reinforcement as your primary method of motivating. No screaming, hyper competitiveness, or overcoaching during games.

• Reward effort, not just good outcomes. Recognize players even for “unsuccessful” effort and allow room for mistakes.

• When providing feedback/coaching, utilize positive reinforcements to each correction and learn to coach in private (1v1), ask permission, and avoid criticism in non-teachable moments.

• Teach respect for the rules, opponents, refs, teammates, and themselves

• Ensure players receive equal play time on the field

Be present:

• Coaches are expected to be on-time. They are expected 30 minutes prior to practice. Players are expected to be at the field 15 mins prior so coaches should be there before them!

• Be engaged. When you’re at the field you’re focused on the kids and running engaging sessions (we’ll provide practice plans). 

Communicate:

• Call your players’ parents ahead of the season to introduce yourself and share details. The more of a relationship you foster the more likely you’ll be to get full attendance.

• Follow up with any absent players each week

• If you ever are unavailable to coach immediately let coordinators know and arrange for coverage (talk to your co-coach, and players’ parents to find a fill in).Coaching according to positive principles:

• Use encouragement and positive reinforcement as your primary method of motivating. No screaming, hyper competitiveness, or overcoaching during games.

• Reward effort, not just good outcomes. Recognize players even for “unsuccessful” effort and allow room for mistakes.

• When providing feedback/coaching, utilize positive reinforcements to each correction and learn to coach in private (1v1), ask permission, and avoid criticism in non-teachable moments.

• Teach respect for the rules, opponents, refs, teammates, and themselves

• Ensure players receive equal play time on the field

QUALIFICATIONS
Previous soccer knowledge is not required, but enthusiasm for working with children is a necessity.

TRAINING
We will provide volunteers with orientation materials, coaching training, and a coaching manual. A formal orientation/ training will be held prior to each season. Coaches will be assigned to age groups (age 4-19) based on experience, availability, and preference.

BENEFITS
In addition to helping provide the resources and support to allow under-resourced youth the opportunity to participate in an organized sport, coaches will have opportunities for professional coaching trainings and will be connected to a network of caring volunteers for fun soccer-related events throughout the year.