In search of: Volunteer Soccer Coaches
Fall 2026 Volunteer Coach Mentor for Open Field + Elliott Athletic Association Community League
Commitment: 9/8/2026-10/29/2026 (8 weeks); 2 evenings per week (i.e. M/W or T/TH); 5:30-8:00pm
- Mon/Wed: ages 12-14
- Tues/Thurs: ages 9-11
Training: Monday, August 31 5:30-8:00pm
What: Open Field partners with the Elliot West-End Athletic Association for the 5th year in running a community soccer league. This is an in-house recreational soccer league. Youth will be placed onto teams and participate in one practice and one game each week (per age group). Open Field implements a trauma-informed approach to coaching, using the game of soccer to teach Social Emotional Learning and Life Skills, along with soccer skills.
Who: Open Field works largely with youth from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, who will play in the league alongside youth from the wider West End area. Ages 9-14.
Responsibilities:
- Coach a team; this is the main role of volunteers. Each team is assigned 2+ coaches. Open Field staff will provide you with the training, resources, and curriculum you will need to run practices/games.
- Field set-up/ clean-up
- Communicate with Open Field staff about availability, issues or concerns
Requirements
- Commit to 2 evenings per week
- Attend training
- Complete PA Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History, and FBI Fingerprint Check Clearances
- Experience in soccer (at least basic understanding of the game)
- Comfortable working with youth
- Leadership Skills
- Cultural sensitivity and openness
- Must provide your own transportation to and from the field