Assistant Coach - Free to Play Edmonton
Job Summary
Free Play for Kids is looking for energetic and passionate Assistant Coaches to join the Free to Play programming team. If you have experience playing or coaching flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball and enjoy working with children of all ages, we'd love to have you on board!
A successful candidate will support the Head Coach in delivering our four core sports, flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball at one of our elementary school sites, on a rotating weekly basis, going beyond traditional coaching methods by incorporating a focus on holistic development, including physical literacy and social-emotional learning. This role is perfect for those who have lots of energy, sports experience, and are ready to be a great leader and mentor.
Education & Qualifications
Experience coaching or leading youth sports teams and/or extensive playing experience.
Coaching and/or playing experience in one or more of flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball; experience across multiple sports is an asset.
Some experience working with children or youth, preferably in sport or recreation settings such as coaching, camps, or community-based sport initiatives.
Comfort supporting and learning to coach across four different sports over the course of a season.
Ability to set expectations and model positive coaching practices would be considered an asset.
Post-secondary education in Physical Education, Sport and Recreation, Kinesiology, Education, Sociology, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is considered an asset, but not required.
Standard First Aid Certification and CPR training, or the ability to obtain quickly.
Clear, up-to-date Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check.
Valid driver's license with a reliable vehicle.
Availability to begin work at 12:00 pm on Thursdays (required for placements at ECSD schools).
NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) training or sport-specific certification in flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball is considered a major asset.
Key Responsibilities
Work with youth ages 7-12 in the Free to Play program, facilitating flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball programming in collaboration with a Head Coach and other Assistant Coaches.
Support, and at times lead, practices, games, and skill-building activities in each of the four sports, with the goal of keeping kids engaged, having fun, and staying safe.
Help set up and pack away sport-specific equipment for flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball sessions.
Supervise all children in the session, ensuring the Rule of Two is maintained at all times.
Maintain accurate daily attendance, ensuring proper check-in and check-out procedures.
Participate in work assignments arising from special events, special projects, or overall program initiatives.
Complete required training and certifications through the Free Play training program to strengthen coaching, leadership, and youth-development skills across all four sports.
Maintain consistent communication with Head Coaches and fellow Assistant Coaches.
Model key organizational values through interactions with team members, families etc.,
Adhere to the company's clothing policy by wearing the provided name tag and vest at all times while on duty.
Understand the power of sport as a tool for social good.
Position Conditions
This is a part-time paid position of approximately 5-15 hours per week.
Hours of work are determined by the program schedule and are typically:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Thursdays from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm.
Coaches assigned to ECSD schools must be available to begin work at 12:00 pm on Thursdays.
Attendance at mandatory training sessions held on school PD (professional development) days is required.
The job is performed in schools and recreation settings, but work settings may vary depending on projects and which of the four sports is in season.
Free Play for Kids is an equal-opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are values of Free Play for Kids. Free Play for Kids welcomes applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.
Free Play for Kids respectfully operates on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our community.
