Youth Soccer Mentor & Children’s Sports Development Coach – Engaging Part‑Time Role in the Oakland‑Alameda‑San Leandro Bay Area (Ages 2‑10) with Immediate Start
About Soccer Shots – Central Bay Side
Soccer Shots is a nationally recognized youth sports organization that uses the power of soccer to teach life‑changing character skills to children ages 2‑10. Our programs are built on the belief that the game of soccer can foster confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and respect—both on the field and off. Operating in the vibrant Bay Area communities of Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, and Castro Valley, we partner with preschools, daycare centers, elementary schools, and public parks to bring our award‑winning curriculum directly to families where they live, learn, and play.
Our coaches are the heart of the organization. They are mentors, role models, and the primary drivers of the positive experiences that children cherish for years to come. By joining our team you’ll become part of a purpose‑driven network of educators who turn ordinary afternoons into unforgettable moments of growth, joy, and community connection.
Why This Role Is a Game‑Changer for Your Career
If you love soccer, have a knack for guiding young minds, and thrive in a dynamic, community‑focused environment, this position offers a unique blend of flexibility, personal fulfillment, and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor, a former player, or a motivated newcomer eager to make a difference, you’ll find a supportive platform for building coaching expertise, expanding your network, and growing into leadership roles within Soccer Shots and beyond.
Key Responsibilities – What Your Days Will Look Like
- Deliver the Soccer Shots curriculum to groups of 6‑14 children per session, tailoring instruction to ages 2‑10 and ensuring each child gains both soccer fundamentals and character‑building lessons.
- Plan, set up, and dismantle equipment for each class, maintaining a safe and organized playing environment.
- Engage parents, teachers, and childcare staff with clear, courteous communication, providing updates on progress and reinforcing the program’s values.
- Arrive early (10‑15 minutes before start) to conduct a quick setup, review safety checks, and mentally prepare for an energetic session.
- Provide enthusiastic, age‑appropriate coaching that balances fun and skill development, encouraging every child to try new moves, celebrate effort, and display sportsmanship.
- Maintain accurate class rosters and attendance logs for each location, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- Participate in mandatory paid training (both online and on‑field) before the season begins, and attend periodic evaluation meetings to refine coaching techniques.
- Commit to a full 9‑12‑week season for each program you are assigned, guaranteeing consistency for the children and the partner sites.
- Uphold all safety policies, including a live‑scan FBI/DOJ background check, first‑aid awareness, and adherence to venue rules.
Essential Qualifications – The Baseline You Must Meet
- Professional demeanor: punctual, dependable, courteous, and able to present a clean, polished appearance.
- Strong communication skills: clear verbal expression, active listening, and the ability to convey instructions to young children and adult stakeholders.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation: required to travel between multiple sites across Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, and Castro Valley.
- Personal mobile phone with data service: essential for receiving schedule updates, communicating with program coordinators, and accessing digital training resources.
- Clear Live Scan background check: all candidates must pass a thorough FBI/DOJ screening with no disqualifying findings.
- High school diploma or GED: minimum educational requirement.
- Passion for soccer and working with children: a genuine enthusiasm for the sport and a love of mentoring young learners.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets Top Candidates Apart
- Previous experience as a soccer player, coach, or referee at any level.
- Certification or coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE), such as 12 accredited ECE units.
- Prior experience working in a childcare, preschool, or after‑school program environment.
- First‑aid or CPR certification (preferred, not required).
- Demonstrated ability to lead groups, manage classroom dynamics, and resolve minor behavioral challenges with patience and empathy.
- Fluency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin, etc.) to better serve diverse Bay Area families.
Core Skills & Competencies – What You’ll Need to Succeed
- Creative problem‑solving: the ability to think on your feet, adapt drills for varying skill levels, and keep sessions lively.
- Energetic presence: maintaining high energy throughout 30‑55 minute sessions while staying attuned to each child’s mood and needs.
- Empathy and patience: supporting children who may be shy, anxious, or have differing motor skill development.
- Organizational talent: managing multiple locations, equipment inventories, and schedule changes with precision.
- Team collaboration: working closely with program managers, fellow coaches, and venue staff to ensure a seamless experience.
- Safety awareness: identifying hazards, conducting equipment checks, and acting swiftly in case of minor injuries.
Work Environment & Company Culture
Our coaches operate in a supportive, community‑centric ecosystem. Sessions take place in safe, well‑maintained spaces—ranging from bright preschool classrooms to open‑air public parks. The culture at Soccer Shots emphasizes mentorship, continuous learning, and a “play‑first” mindset. You’ll be part of a collaborative network where coaches share best practices, celebrate each other’s successes, and collectively raise the bar for youth development.
Because the role is part‑time and schedule‑flexible, you can balance coaching with studies, another job, or personal commitments. Typical weekly commitments range from 5 to 20 sessions, with each session lasting 30‑55 minutes. Classes are scheduled between 9 am‑5 pm for school programs and 4 pm‑7:30 pm for park programs, with occasional Saturday mornings (9 am‑1 pm) for weekend‑only positions.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
- Competitive per‑session pay: $20+ for each 30‑55 minute class, with the potential for higher rates based on experience and location.
- Paid training: comprehensive onboarding (online modules + on‑field coaching) fully covered by Soccer Shots.
- Equipment provided: all balls, cones, pinnies, and teaching aids are supplied at no cost.
- Professional development: access to ongoing coaching workshops, leadership seminars, and mentorship pathways toward senior instructional roles.
- Community impact: the intrinsic reward of seeing children grow, smile, and develop lifelong values.
- Flexible scheduling: choose the number of sessions that fit your lifestyle while meeting the 9‑12 week season commitment.
- Referral incentives: earn bonuses for bringing qualified fellow coaches into the program.
Career Growth Opportunities
Soccer Shots invests heavily in its people. High‑performing coaches may advance to positions such as:
- Lead Coach: oversee a cluster of locations, mentor new coaches, and coordinate program logistics.
- Program Manager: manage relationships with partner schools, develop new outreach initiatives, and drive enrollment growth.
- Director of Coaching Education: design curriculum enhancements, lead regional training events, and shape the instructional philosophy for an entire market.
- Corporate Opportunities: roles in marketing, operations, or talent acquisition within Soccer Shots National Headquarters.
All advancement tracks come with increased compensation, expanded responsibilities, and the chance to influence a larger community of young athletes.
How to Apply – Your Next Steps
Ready to make a meaningful impact while sharing your love of soccer? Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official job posting page and review the short video overview of Soccer Shots to get a feel for our culture and curriculum.
- Prepare a concise resume highlighting any soccer‑related experience, teaching or childcare background, and your reliable transportation details.
- Write a brief cover letter (150‑200 words) explaining why you are passionate about working with children aged 2‑10 and how your personal qualities align with our core values of character, confidence, and community.
- Complete the online application, upload your documents, and submit the required consent for a Live Scan background check.
- After submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt and outlining the next steps (training schedule, onboarding timeline, etc.).
We encourage candidates to explore our website and watch the YouTube channel for inspiring stories from current coaches and families.
Join Us – Make Every Kick Count
At Soccer Shots – Central Bay Side, every session is an opportunity to spark curiosity, teach resilience, and build a foundation for lifelong success. If you’re enthusiastic, dependable, and eager to inspire the next generation of confident, courteous athletes, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and start a rewarding journey where the love of the game meets the power of character development. Let’s shape brighter futures together—one smile, one goal, one unforgettable game at a time.
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