The Volunteer Coach Pipeline: Where Churches Find (and Keep) Quality Coaches
By Corrina Ramirez - Upward Sports - Content Development Specialist
One of the biggest questions when starting an Upward Sports League is where to find (and keep) quality coaches. Recruiting coaches is more than filling a position. You want to recruit coaches who are passionate about helping and sharing their faith.
No matter where you recruit, communicate the mission clearly. People are more likely to volunteer when they understand they have an opportunity to impact children both on and off the field by teaching the sport and sharing their faith.
Your Church Community
Since your league is part of your church’s sports ministry, the first place to look for quality coaches is in your own congregation. Don’t just assume that church members are aware of the league or the need for coaches. Consider announcing in your church’s bulletin, newsletter, and other places where announcements are made. If you are advertising your league using posters in your church, mention the coaching opportunities. Let them know that they don’t necessarily need experience in the sport, but rather a willingness to serve.
Your Sports Families
When looking for quality coaches, recruiting parents of players already signed up for your league is a good idea. Parents and guardians of current participants already have a connection to the league and want to see it succeed.
When parents register their children for your league, they are asked if they would like to volunteer. Don’t be discouraged if parents don’t volunteer right away; instead, use opportunities like evaluations to talk to potential coaches. Ensuring you have an organized and welcoming environment during player evaluations is important, too, as it can encourage parents to volunteer.
Your Future Leaders
High school and college students can be excellent assistant coaches. They may need volunteer hours and already have experience in the sport. Reach out to local teams, athletic programs, and former league participants. Pair younger volunteers with experienced coaches so they can learn the program and grow into future leadership roles.
Your Local Community
Your next great coach may not have a current connection to your league. Expand your search to your local community, sharing volunteer opportunities with recreation centers, libraries, and neighborhood groups. Former athletes, retirees, teachers, and residents may welcome the opportunity to mentor young people and become more involved in their local church community.
Be clear that coaching in an Upward Sports league is both a coaching opportunity and a ministry opportunity. Coaching can also create opportunities for volunteers to build relationships with families and experience the church community firsthand.
Retaining Quality Coaches
Recruiting coaches is important, but retaining them is even more valuable. Returning coaches already understand the program, the families, and the ministry’s mission. Coaches return when they feel equipped, supported, and appreciated.
Give Them Access to the Tools They Need
Give coaches the tools they need before the season begins. Even coaches who know the sport well may not know how to run an effective practice. Utilize the materials that Upward Sports offers in the resources section of MyUpward to help prepare coaches for practices and game day. Training videos, coach playbooks, devotions, and practice plans are just some of the useful materials you will find to help your coaches succeed. Offer training that covers not only the sport, but also how to communicate with their team using the Coach App.
Be Available to Coaches
From the beginning, let coaches know they can contact you when they have a question or a concern. Creating that open line of communication early lets coaches know they aren’t navigating the season alone. It is also important to check in with coaches throughout the season and invite honest feedback. Simple conversations can help address concerns before they become frustrations. An end-of-season survey can provide valuable insight into what worked well and what could improve. Coaches who feel heard and supported are more likely to return.
Do You Appreciate Your Coaches?
People are more willing to give their time when they know their efforts matter. Show your gratitude to your coaches often and sincerely. Coach appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive; A handwritten note, a personal conversation, or a simple text message can have a lasting impact. Most importantly, don’t wait until the end of the season to let them know they are appreciated. A quick message or conversation during the season letting a coach know they are appreciated is important.
Great youth sports programs aren’t built in a single season. They’re built year after year by people who continue showing up for the mission. Find the right people, give them a reason to stay, and build a program they are proud to come back to.
If you’re a church leader interested in starting a youth sports league for the kids in your community, visit www.upward.org/church-leaders
If you’re interested in coaching in an Upward league or getting your child involved in youth sports, you can find a league near you at play.upward.org.
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