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    Get Involved

    As a Coach

    Coach a local Special Olympics team

    When you become a Special Olympics coach or assistant coach, you will find the rewards go far beyond the finish line. You will help athletes discover their physical skills, self-worth, courage, and capacity to grow. Coaching is one of the most important and rewarding volunteer roles in Special Olympics. That is why 1,600 men and women in Massachusetts choose to donate their time and talents to the athletes of Special Olympics Massachusetts as coaches.

     

    “I gave my medals to my coaches because THEY deserve to be medaled. I wouldn’t have my medals without them. If it wasn’t for coaches and volunteers, this wouldn’t be possible. They need to be recognized, too. I wanted to say thanks to them.”  – Athlete, Jen Harrington

    Requirements

    The age requirement for becoming a head coach with Special Olympics is 18 and 16 for an assistant coach. Just like any other sports organization, coaches are responsible for helping with all aspects of the team, including:

    • Attending pre-season coaches meetings.
    • Assisting with recruiting athletes, partners, and additional volunteers.
    • Maintaining athlete records and registrations.
    • Developing an 8-10 week practice schedule for the season.
    • Conducting well organized practices.
    • Attending sectional and state-level competitions with your team.
    • Have a working knowledge of your sport and abide by the sports rules of Special Olympics.

    Athlete and coach talking.

    All coaches are required to complete a Class A volunteer form. Individuals over the age of 18 are required to provide their social security number as they are CORI and background checked to ensure the safety and well being of Special Olympics athletes.

    Individuals under 18 are required to have two non-family members write recommendations for them. These forms can be provided to interested coaches after we locate a coaching opportunity for them.

    All additional Special Olympics MA coaching resources can be found on our Resources for Coaches and Local Programs page.

    How to Get Involved

    Please see our current and upcoming head coach and assistant coach volunteer needs in the two sections below.  If these positions don’t match your interests and availability, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form  and we will email you with additional volunteer opportunities in your area.

    Head Coach and Assistant Coach Volunteer Positions: Fall Season (September-December)

    Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older):

    Soccer Head Coach needed in Mansfield

    • Season is September through November 4th.
    • Practices are Sundays 4:00pm-5:00pm at Plymouth Street Fields in Mansfield.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Soccer Head Coach needed in Peabody

    • Season is September through November 4th.
    • Practices are Sundays 10:30am-11:30am at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Flag Football Head Coach needed in Fairhaven

    • Season is September through November 17th.
    • Practices are Saturday mornings at Cushman Park in Fairhaven, MA.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Flag Football Head Coach needed in Lynn

    • Season is September through November 17th.
    • Practices are Monday’s 5:30pm-6:30pm at Lynn English in Lynn, MA.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Ten Pin Bowling Head Coach needed in Milford

    Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older):

    Soccer Assistant Coach needed in Fitchburg

    Soccer Assistant Coach needed in North Andover

    • Season is September through November 4th
    • Practices are Sundays 3:00pm-4:00pm at the North Andover High School track in North Andover, MA.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Soccer Assistant Coach needed in Hanover

    • Season is September through November 4th
    • Practices are Thursdays at 5:00 pm at Cardinal Cushing Center in Hanover
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Soccer Assistant Coach needed in Barnstable

    • Season is September through November 4th
    • Practices are Sundays 9:00am – 11:00am at Barnstable High School.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Soccer Assistant Coach needed in Barnstable

    Flag Football Assistant Coaches needed in West Springfield

    • Season is September through November 17th
    • Practices are Wednesdays 6:00pm to 7:00pm in West Springfield
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Cheerleading Assistant Coaches needed in West Springfield

    • Season is September through November 17th
    • Practices are Wednesdays 6:00pm to 7:00pm in West Springfield
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Bowling Assistant Coach needed in Milford

    Upcoming Head Coach and Assistant Coach Volunteer Positions: Winter Season (December-March)

    Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older):

    Basketball Head Coach needed in New Bedford

    • Season is December through mid-March.
    • Practices are Saturdays 9:00am-11:00am at Dennison Memorial Community Center in New Bedford.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Basketball Head Coach needed in Fitchburg

    Basketball Head Coach needed in Milton

    Basketball Head Coach needed in Foxborough

    Basketball Head Coach needed in Danvers

    • Season is December through mid-March.
    • Practices are Sundays 10:00am-11:00am at St. John’s Prep in Danvers.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older):

    Ten Pin Bowling Assistant Coaches needed in New Bedford

    • Practices start in October and go through mid-March.
    • Practice times are on Saturday’s from 2 pm – 3:30 pm at Wonder Bowl in New Bedford
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Basketball Assistant Coaches needed in Marstons Mills (Barnstable)

    • Season is December through mid-March.
    • Practice times are being finalized. Location will be at West Villages Elementary School.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Basketball Assistant Coach needed in Fitchburg

    Basketball Assistant Coach needed in Milton

    Ten Pin Bowling Assistant Coaches needed in Hyannis

    • Season is December through mid-March.
    • Practice times are being finalized. Location will be at Ryan Family Amusements in Hyannis.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

    Floor Hockey Assistant Coach needed in Abington