Passionate, energetic, and fun-loving Soccer Shots instructors are needed to coach soccer with children ages 2 to 8 in the greater Pittsburgh area! Most important is that our coaches have previous experience with and an appreciation for young children. There is a pre-set Soccer Shots curriculum with weekly lesson plans to follow and equipment and coaching apparel is provided.
Coaches are expected to be available and present for their particular time slot(s) all 9-11 weeks of the season, as the children and parents are dependent upon consistent leadership and attendance for the entirety of the season. You’ll be at the same location(s) at the same times each week, and we need you to be committed for the entire 9 to 11-week season.
An initial (paid) training period is required for all new coaches, and consists of online training and in-person training. We require new coaches to work as an Alternate Coach / Coach-in-training (whenever possible) before being deemed ready to coach alone / as a Head Coach.Interns will also be expected to partake in weekly Coaching Department meetings, to be trained in and perform coach evaluations (of other Soccer Shots coaches), assist with equipment inventory and care, and to provide curriculum analysis and feedback on a regular basis.
Interns should also be willing to perform other duties as requested in order to to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organization’s Values. Duties may include assisting with paper flier drop-offs, placing yard signs around the area, attending company events, participating in in-person and online staff training meetings. Non-coaching duties are not paid, but may be compensated for as college credit.
Compensation is $18/session for Head Coaches and $10/session for Alternate Coaches / Coaches-in-training. Each session is 30 to 45 minutes in length, depending on the particular age group.
The ideal instructor MUST meet the following criteria:
Dependable: Must be willing to commit to, at minimum, two full 8-10 week seasons of Soccer Shots; we need an honest and true commitment. There should be no expectation (spoken or unspoken) that you will back out on your commitment to the children and their families. If something unexpected arises, you must finish out the current season before resigning.
Responsible: Arrives at least 15 minutes early to each session; comes prepared with lesson plan memorized; can handle a group of 10 or more children; keeps accurate attendance; communicates well with Soccer Shots leadership team as concerns and needs arise, etc.
Professional: Neat in appearance; friendly and courteous with daycare / school staff and directors / principal and parents; self-assured and confident.
Enthusiastic: Must enjoy interacting with young children (2–8 years old); able to connect with children and to communicate on their level. You must be very outgoing, animated, and able to be silly with the children. There is no room for shyness or reserved behavior; we need ENTHUSIASTIC coaches!
Soccer: Soccer experience is preferred, however, if you are great with children and have some basic familiarity with the game, that should suffice.
Experience with YOUNG children: Must be able to easily engage and interact with 2-8 year olds, and have experience doing so. This is very important.
Self-sufficient, Communicative, and Responsive: The duties of position make it such that good communication and feedback from our coaches is necessary. Coaches must be self-regulating in that they must keep themselves on track and must reach out to us when they need something or if they have questions; we are unable to hold hands or micromanage.
Reliable PERSONAL transportation and valid driver's license: reliance on public transportation, ride sharing, or alternative forms of transportation (bicycle) has been shown to be highly unsustainable given the locations at which we work.
PA State-Required Clearances: Candidate must be able to provide clear PA state clearances and clear FBI fingerprint clearance upon acceptance of an offer of employment.
Internship Professional Development Value:
Soccer Shots is a leader in leaving a lasting, positive impact on the youth it serves. Through the game of soccer, children learn creative play and character skills. With supervision from the Director of Coaching and Coaching Coordinator, the intern will be exposed to a successful and nationally-recognized franchise system and the inner workings of a small business while increasing proficiency in delivering an athletic program to youth.
Internship Academic and Experiential Objectives:
The student intern will be required to handle and present him/herself in a professional manner, consistently arriving on time to assigned office hours, coaching sessions, and events. When applicable, the student intern will also participate in instructing Soccer Shots sessions, giving him/her experience in coaching youth and working with parents.