Get Involved as a Coach

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.

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 regional qualifying tournaments and the season-ending state tournament with your team.
  • Have a working knowledge of your sport and abide by the sports rules of Special Olympics.

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 Massachusetts 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 Special Olympics Massachusetts locates a coaching opportunity for them.

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.

Upcoming Coaching Needs: Summer Season (June-August)

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

Golf Head Coach needed in Grafton

  • Summer Season is June through August 27th.
  • Practices are on Thursdays 6:00pm-7:30pm at Highfields in Grafton.
  • Please contact Donna St. Onge at DONNA.STONGE@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

Cycling Head Coach needed in Belmont

  • Summer Season is June through August 27th.
  • Practices are on Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm at Belmont High.
  • Please contact Donna St. Onge at DONNA.STONGE@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

Softball Head Coach needed in Worcester

  • Summer Season is June through August 27th.
  • Practices are on Thursdays 6:00pm-7:30pm in Worcester.
  • Please contact Donna St. Onge at DONNA.STONGE@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

Softball Head Coach needed in Peabody

  • Summer Season is June 27th through August 27th.
  • Practices held Tuesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody.
  • Please contact Terry Keilty at TERRY.KEILTY@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

 

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

 

Softball Assistant Coach needed in Worcester

  • Summer Season is June through August 27th.
  • Practices are on Thursdays 6:00pm-7:30pm in Worcester.
  • Please contact Donna St. Onge at DONNA.STONGE@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Upcoming Coaching Needs: Fall Season (September-November)

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

 

Soccer Head Coaches needed in Reading

  • Season is in the fall, September through November 5th.
  • 2 teams available. Practices are Sunday mornings, specific time TBD.
  • Please contact Terry Keilty at TERRY.KEILTY@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

Flag Football Head Coach needed in Worcester

  • Season is in the fall, September through November 11th.
  • Practices are Tuesdays, 3:00pm-5:30pm at Duffy Field in Worcester.
  • Please contact Terry Keilty at TERRY.KEILTY@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

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

Flag Football Assistant Coach needed in Fitchburg

  • Season is in the fall, September through November 11th.
  • Practices held Sundays from 1:15pm to 2:45pm in Fitchburg
  • Please contact Donna St. Onge at DONNA.STONGE@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

Soccer Assistant Coach needed in Fitchburg

  • Season is in the fall, September through November 5th.
  • Practices held Sundays from 1:15pm to 2:45pm in Fitchburg
  • Please contact Donna St. Onge at DONNA.STONGE@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.