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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.

     

    Current Head Coach and Assistant Coach Volunteer Positions

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

    Fitness  Head Coaches needed throughout the state

    • We are looking for volunteers to help run fitness programs for our athletes! It’s so important that we provide our athletes the chance to reach their exercise recommendation/ goals outside of their sport practices.  If any of the following describe you then this is a perfect opportunity for you:
      • Background in fitness/health or just individuals who
      • Have a passion for living a healthy lifestyle
      • Have a passion or basic understanding about fitness
      • Teaches an exercise class
    • These will be multi-week programs. We have different program options available for volunteers to pick from depending on their interest/background.

    Walking Club Head Coach needed for the Xtra Mile Walking Club: Charles River Center  (Needham)

    • Location: Based around Needham/ Newton North / Newton South.  Specific club location TBD
    • Day& Time: TBD, based on volunteer availability- preferably a weekday early evening
    • Duties include but arent limited to communicating with club members, supervision of club on walks, making sure attendance and COVID screenings are performed.

    Walking Club Head Coach needed for the Xtra Mile Walking Club: Charles River Center  (West Middlesex County)

    • Location: Based around Framingham/ Hopinkton/ Marlborough area. Specific Club location TBD
    • Day& Time: TBD, based on volunteer availability- preferably a weekday early evening
    • Duties include but arent limited to communicating with club members, supervision of club on walks, making sure attendance and COVID screenings are performed.

    Golf Head Coach needed in Grafton

    • Practices are Thursday evenings at Highfields Golf & Country Club
    • Practices start June 3rd thru the summer
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.

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

    Young Athlete Assistant Coaches/Volunteers needed in Marlboro

    • Sessions are Saturdays, 8:30 am to 12 pm, in Marlboro
    • Sessions start Saturday, July 10th thru August 14th
    • No prior experience required! Athletes will be ages 2-7 and 8-12 (separate sessions). The 8 to 12 year old group will focus on tee ball and golf. The 2 to 7 group will focus on foundational activities.

    Softball Assistant Coaches needed in Peabody

    Bocce Assistant Coaches needed in Danvers

    Cycling Assistant Coaches needed in Acton and Bedford

    • Practices are Monday evenings at the Bruce Freeman Trail in Acton
    • Practices are Wednesday evenings at the Minuteman Bikeway in Bedford
    • Practices start June 7th thru the summer
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.