Volunteer Soccer Coach

In search of: Volunteer Soccer Coaches

Fall 2026 Volunteer Coach Mentor for Open Field + Elliott Athletic Association Community League

Commitment: 9/8/2025-10/29/2025 (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