Volunteer Coach - Keep Playing Kids

"Keep Playing Kids (“KPK“) is a national not-for-profit that provides FREE sports programs to children in our communities. We provide fun and safe recreational activities to help keep kids active, introduce them to new sports and share the joy of PLAY.

1% of JAM’s revenue, created by our ongoing adult sports leagues, is donated directly to our Keep Playing Kids initiative which is what allows us to run these programs completely FREE. By leveling the playing field, we give all kids a chance to benefit from the positive nature of organized sports.

Candidates must be a great fit with the JAM Core Values:

• Chase the Vision
• Deliver What You Promise
• Take Pride in What You Do
• Get Shit Done
• Treat Everyone Like Your Best Friend
• Find a Better Way

VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION

As a volunteer coach for Keep Playing Kids, you will play a crucial role in fostering physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship among children. Your commitment and enthusiasm will contribute to creating a positive and enjoyable experience for our young participants.

Responsibilities:

• Planning and organizing age-appropriate sports activities and drills for children in the after-school program.
• Leading and supervising sports sessions, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Teaching fundamental skills, techniques, and rules of various sports in a supportive and encouraging manner.
• Promoting teamwork, fair play, and good sportsmanship among children during practices and games.
• Providing constructive feedback and guidance to help children improve their skills and performance.
• Serving as a positive role model by demonstrating respect, responsibility, and integrity on and off the field.
• Communicating effectively with parents, staff, and volunteers regarding program updates, schedules, and any concerns.
• Collaborating with other volunteer coaches to coordinate activities and ensure the smooth operation of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for working with children and promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
• Experience playing and/or coaching sports, preferably with children in a recreational or educational setting.
• Knowledge of basic coaching principles, techniques, and safety guidelines for various sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, floor hockey).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact positively with children, parents, and other volunteers.
• Patient, enthusiastic, and adaptable to different skill levels and learning styles.
• Reliable, responsible, and able to commit to the program schedule and expectations.
• Ability to pass a background check and meet any other requirements mandated by the organization or school.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Start Date: Thursday, February 15th, 2024 (3-month program for now)
• Program Time: Thursdays, (1.5hr slot) 3:30PM-5:00PM
• Type of Activity: Recreational Sports (Mix of different ball sports, Soccer, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Kickball)
• Coaches: 2 per session
• Expected Participants: 60 children, ages 7 - 12. (broken into 2 sessions of about 30 children)
• Equipment: Keep Playing Kids will supply all equipment necessary, including t-shirts
• This is unpaid volunteer work.

WHAT KEEP PLAYING KIDS IS LOOKING FOR FROM VOLUNTEERS

High Energy

• Extremely upbeat and positive, with their own flair and personality!
• Willingness to approach and chat with members and maintain this positive relationship over the course of the season.

Details, Details, Details

• Taking care of the little details first makes putting on a big show easy!
• Must have incredible attention to detail and be a quick learner!
  

Go Getter

• Be confident and motivated to work with active children.
• Hardworking attitude. You are known for taking initiative.

Think Outside the Box Mentality

• We’re not looking for mediocre and old-school here. We want someone who has fresh ideas, can run sessions on their own without being micromanaged, and is good at developing and maintaining relationships.
  

Perfectly Seasoned

• We are looking for someone who has past experience running children's sports activities. Someone who is able to clearly represent Keep Playing Kids to prospective businesses, while adopting our laid back yet professional attitude.
  

Well Spoken & Written

• It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. You’ll need to have strong self-monitoring skills and strong public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of sports rules and formats is an asset!

Quick On Your Feet

• Confidence in your ability to take control of a situation with a flair for being resourceful.
• Strengths in planning, decision making, and creative problem solving.

PROGRAMMING HOURS

• Keep Playing Kids Programming runs Thursday only from 3:00pm - 5:30pm, but we are looking to grow and expand our programming in the future.
• Location is: Eastview Neighborhood Community Centre (86 Blake St, Toronto ON M4J 3C9)

• We are able to provide you with volunteer hours required for school, community hours, credit etc.

For more information about JAM, please visit: https://www.keepplayingkids.com/

We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis for this volunteer position.

JAM Is For Everyone.
We at JAM are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are pleased to be an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will be given equal consideration regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity/expression/orientation, age or disability. Our devotion to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment is reflected in our work culture as well as the services we offer.