Junior Coach

Serving as a Junior Coach is a fun and rewarding way to get involved with Girls on the Run! This volunteer position is for high school girls aged 16-18 years old who want to grow their leadership skills. Paired with a Mentor Coach, Junior Coaches receive support to develop their own skills while serving as role models to program participants.

Lilia, animatrice junior

“Junior coach training taught me how to empower my teammates and inspired me to reflect on my own vulnerabilities.”

Lilia, Junior Coach

<ul> <li>Avoir de 16 à 18 ans (à l’école secondaire)</li> <li>S’identifier comme étant une fille</li> <li>Retourner les référ

Requirements

Be 16-18 years of age (in high school)
Identify as female
Return completed reference
Return signed waiver (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Complete background check (if 18 years old)
Complete Junior Coach application
Complete online and in-person training
Consistently attend practice
Commit 1.5-3 hours of time each week for 8 weeks

Core Duties and Responsibilities

There are three core duties to serve as a Junior Coach, and they each come with responsibilities.

Junior Coaches must serve as role models.
- Understand and believe in the mission and vision of Girls on the Run
- Represent themself, the Junior Coach program and Girls on the Run in a responsible, respectful manner both during and outside of the program (including on social media)
- Serve as positive role models on their team in their words and actions
- Commit to fully engage in sessions with participants and coaches
Junior Coaches must foster a positive, inclusive environment.
- Build relationships with and between teammates
- Encourage and motivate participants
- Participate in games and workouts with the team, encouraging everyone to give their best effort
Junior Coaches must develop their leadership skills.
- Lead activities and lessons from the Girls on the Run curriculum
- Support co-coaches as they lead activities from the curriculum
- Collaborate with a mentor coach to receive and act on constructive feedback

Season Details

Season Details

start date

March 1, 2024

training info

Online training + in-person session

5K date

May TBD

A Girls on the Run team sits in a circle and is laughing

Serve as role model and leader for the next generation.

Junior Coach Registration Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of junior coaches?

In addition to the two to three coaches who are 18 years of age or older, some teams may also have a Junior Coach assigned. Junior Coaches are high school volunteers between the ages 16-18 who complete an application and training. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches and mentor the team.

Why are coaches important?

There are girls who need YOU to help them unleash their power and potential. If you are considering coaching, ask yourself: What better gift can you give to the next generation than inspiring confidence and a strong sense of self?

Almost 100% of girls said their Girls on the Run coaches care about them.
99% of coaches agreed that the coaching experience was valuable for them.
96% of coaches said they felt they formed positive relationships with the girls on their team.
94% of Girls on the Run coaches said they felt like they were making a difference in their girls’ lives.

Are coaches all female?

Junior coaches must identify as female. But here is our policy:

At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
Our Head Coach must be female.
All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
Junior Coaches must be at least 16 years of age and female.

Do I need to be a runner or athlete to be a junior coach?

No! Girls on the Run provides the training, curriculum and supplies needed to safely lead a team for a season! You simply need to be a motivating role model for your team. Many of our junior coaches and coaches participate in their first 5K alongside their team!

Are there any restrictions to who junior coaches can use as a reference?

A reference should not be an immediate family member. Think about a community member, teacher, mentor, coach or family friend who can accurately and positively share more about the Junior Coach with Girls on the Run.

Do I need to be CPR certified?

A minimum of one coach per team must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season and be present at every practice. This is something our council ensures. If you are planning to coach with friends or family members, this means one of you must be. It is not the expectation that junior coaches are CPR certified, but know a coach they work alongside will be.

I am not affiliated with a school or community center where the program occurs, can I still be a junior coach?

Yes! Junior coaches are placed according to their geographic location and their availability at sites that need additional coaches.

Do I need to come up with lesson plans or workouts?

No! We provide you with training, curriculum and supplies – everything needed to coach a safe, successful season! You should not incur any personal costs to provide the program to your team. As a Junior Coach, you will receive guidance from the team’s coaches, too.

When and how will I get my junior coaching materials?

Our council provides each program location with the curriculum and supplies needed to facilitate the season. We will contact coaches to arrange pick-up for their team’s materials.

When and where is junior coach training?

There are in-person and online training sessions for junior coaches. Our council will contact you with exact dates and information.

What is the time commitment of junior coaching?

Coaches and junior coaches must attend and lead 75 to 90-minute practices twice per week. To provide a consistent experience to participants, your commitment is crucial to prepare and collaborate with co-coaches to facilitate fun, successful lessons. Each season lasts 10 weeks and culminates with a team-led community project and celebratory 5K event.

When and where are practices held?

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, homes and schools. The location and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically set in the last afternoon/early evening hours (to accommodate participants after school). All teams practice on-site with the possibility of transitioning to virtual programming depending on public health directives.

Can I choose where I serve as a Junior Coach?

Junior coaches may indicate where they would like to coach. If there is not a preference, we will assign them to a location in need close to their geographical location.

Can I serve as a Junior Coach on a team with a friend or family member?

We try to assign only one Junior Coach per team, but that's not always the case! Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches, and sometimes a Junior Coach. If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant (such as a parent/guardian or family friend), please mention this in your application and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Merci d’envisager d’accepter le rôle vital d’animatrice junior bénévole pour Girls on the Run. Si vous avez toujours des questions sur la façon de débloquer le pouvoir et le potentiel des filles de votre communauté, veuillez c

Thanks for considering the vital role of serving as a volunteer junior coach for Girls on the Run. If you still have questions about how you can unlock the power and potential girls in your community, please contact us!

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