Full-Time Head Coach – Edmonton + Maskwacis
Job Summary
Free Play for Kids is hiring a full-time Head Coach to anchor our growing programs in Maskwacis, one of the most meaningful coaching opportunities in the province.
This role combines in-school activation work at Edmonton Free to Play(FTP) school sites in the morning with Head Coaching in Maskwacis in the afternoon. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, you will deliver in-school programming in Edmonton, travel to Maskwacis, and lead afternoon coaching at one of our Maskwacis school sites. Thursdays are dedicated entirely to Maskwacis, with monthly game day trips to Edmonton.
We are looking for someone who understands the significance of what we are building in Maskwacis and is ready to show up consistently for that community through sport. This is a long-term role for a coach who wants their work to matter beyond the scoreboard.
What You’ll Do
In-School Activation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday in Edmonton (~9:00AM - 1:00PM)
Deliver in-school sessions at Edmonton FTP school sites — class visits, gym presentations, and assemblies — to promote Free to Play, Jr. Wolves, and Wolves programming and drive registrations.
Lead the daily Free to Play lunch league (approximately 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM) — a drop-in sport session held during the lunch hour.
Build and maintain relationships with school staff and administrators to coordinate scheduling and site access.
Track activation activity, registration leads, and program interest at each site.
Head Coaching: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday in Maskwacis (~2:30PM – 5:15 PM)
Serve as the coaching lead at Free Play school sites in Maskwacis, delivering flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball on a rotating weekly basis.
Coach and lead Free Play's Sport to Life curriculum for youth ages 7–12, adapting drills and progressions for each sport and skill level.
Supervise all children in the session and ensure the Rule of Two is maintained at all times.
Maintain accurate daily attendance and check-in/check-out procedures.
Support and model strong coaching practices for any assistant coaches on site.
Communicate regularly with the Regional Manager regarding scheduling, participant needs, equipment, and any incidents or concerns.
Complete required training and certifications through the Free Play training program.
Follow all organizational safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and incident reporting requirements.
Thursdays — Maskwacis Game Days (~1:30PM - 6:00PM)
Lead game-day coaching at Maskwacis sites.
Full day based in Maskwacis — no Edmonton in-school activation on Thursdays.
Once a month, Maskwacis school sites travel to Edmonton for a Game Day with all other Edmonton school sites.
What We’re Looking For
Requirements
Coaching and/or playing experience across multiple sports, with strength in at least one of flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball.
1–2 years minimum experience working with children or youth in sport, recreation, or school settings.
Reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and willingness to travel to Maskwacis Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Comfortable engaging children in school settings — class visits, assemblies, or gym-based activations.
Standard First Aid Certification and CPR (or ability to obtain quickly).
Clear, up-to-date Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check.
Cultural awareness and genuine respect for Indigenous communities.
Assets (not required)
Experience working in Maskwacis or alongside the Ermineskin or Samson communities — considered a significant asset.
NCCP or sport-specific certification in one or more of the four FTP sports.
Post-secondary education in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Education, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
Experience working in or alongside First Nations communities.
Proficiency with TeamSnap, Connecteam, or Google Suite.
Skills & Qualities
Confident, engaging communicator in both school and sport settings.
Fun, approachable, and a genuine role model.
Adaptable and organized across a split daily schedule.
Deeply culturally respectful and inclusive — understands that showing up for this community means more than coaching.
Understands sport as a tool for social good, particularly in community-building contexts.
Position Conditions
Full-time position; hours are approximately 35 hours per week.
Daily travel to Maskwacis required Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Reliable vehicle and valid driver's license are required.
Attendance at mandatory training on school PD days is required.
Work is performed in schools, gymnasiums, and recreation facilities in Edmonton and Maskwacis.
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.
