Sports Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Do you love sports, and coaching others to be their best both on and off the court/field? Be a part of something great! The Melrose Family YMCA in Melrose Massachusetts is looking for an energetic leader who loves to build relationships to serve as a Youth Sports Instructor for our sports programs. 

The Youth Sports Instructor will supervise and facilitate Youth and Adult Sports programs at the YMCA. The position requires the ability to coach/teach/officiate children ages 3 to 12 in a variety of sports, including, but not limited to, basketball, soccer, baseball, floor hockey, lacrosse, pickleball and flag football. Additional opportunity to manage events, programs and adult leagues.

The YMCA is the starting point for many youths to develop healthy habits that they will carry with them throughout their lives. The benefits are far greater than just physical health. Sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out, developing confidence, positive relationships, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. The focus on healthy habits and positive experiences carries over into adult sports programs as well.

The sports Instructor engages program participants to develop, maintain, and grow a variety of mission-based sports programs that are diverse in terms of ages (pre-school to adult) and level of competition (developmental to competitive). The instructor also works with other Directors at the branch to maximize involvement and engagement of sports participants and their families in other areas of the Y. The ideal candidate is flexible, innovative, organized, and personable, adept at both promoting fun at the Y! 

Schedule: Varies according to season and program needs. Afternoon, evenings and weekends required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES:

• Plan, organize, and lead age-appropriate sports programs and classes (e.g., basketball, soccer, flag football, pickleball, etc.) in alignment with YMCA standards and mission
• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all participants, regardless of skill level
• Teach fundamental skills, rules, and sportsmanship while encouraging teamwork and confidence
• Ensure participant safety by following YMCA policies, emergency procedures, and risk-management practices
• Set up, maintain, and properly store sports equipment before and after classes or programs
• Build positive relationships with participants, parents/guardians, and YMCA staff
• Communicate clearly with supervisors regarding attendance, incidents, and participant progress
• Model YMCA core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—always
• Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper attire for all scheduled shifts
• Assist with special events, clinics, leagues, or substitute coverage as needed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

• 1-2+ years of experience working with children. 
• Prior experience playing/coaching/refereeing organized sports, particularly basketball, soccer, volleyball, football and/or baseball strongly preferred.
• CPR/First Aid/AED – must obtain certification within first 90 days of employment and maintain a current certification thereafter.
• Strong ability to promote fun play, while fostering a positive team atmosphere.
• Exemplifies a proactive, hands-on approach, as well as a professional work ethic.
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule including majority nights and weekends.
• Strong interpersonal, organization and communication skills.
• Energetic, devoted, mission driven, team-oriented individual.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Coaching, personal training or strength and conditioning certifications, or working towards those certifications preferred.

REQUIRED TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Safety Skills Learning Management System on Child Abuse Prevention (provided within the first week of employment)
• CPR and First Aid - A certification(s) from nationally recognized institutes such as AFFA, ACE, ACSM, NASM or similar.