Youth coach - spring

Overview

Unit 1 Athletics is seeking four (4) enthusiastic and experienced Youth Lacrosse Coaches to lead and develop our 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th Grade Boys and Girls Lacrosse Programs for the Town of Brookline's youth program. These coaches will foster a positive, inclusive, and high-energy environment for young players from Brookline's eight elementary schools and local private schools. We emphasize the development of all players, regardless of skill level, while fostering meaningful connections and integrating new participants into the program.

Coaches will design and execute a cohesive, age-appropriate curriculum that prioritizes high-repetition, high-volume activities to ensure maximum player engagement and skill development. Emphasis will be placed on facilitating practices with less talking and more doing, creating an environment where players are constantly active and improving through hands-on experience. All Brookline youth coaches must model a growth mindset, and a willingness to improve their coaching craft (ongoing conversation, video assessment, reflection, player analysis, practice time audits).

Note: For boys, completion of the Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse Coaching Training will be required to ensure all coaches align with league standards and prioritize player safety and best practices. This training is NOT required for girls. Coaches will also need to complete Brookline Recreation Training and Background Process.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead all aspects of the assigned age group/gender lacrosse team during practices, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all participants.
• Create a fun and supportive environment where players feel comfortable learning and developing their skills.
• Collaborate with Unit 1 Athletics to ensure program alignment with organizational goals.

Practice Planning and Execution

• Plan and execute 10 weeks of practices (20 total) focused on fundamental skill development.
• Implement age-appropriate drills focusing on core lacrosse skills, including:
• 1st/2nd Grade: Basic stick skills (cradling, passing, catching), groundballs, and introductory game concepts.
• 3rd/4th Grade: More advanced stick skills, shooting, dodging, basic offensive and defensive strategies, and small-sided games.
• Boys Teams: Lead Tuesday and Thursday practices.
• Girls Teams: Lead Monday and Wednesday practices.
• Develop detailed practice plans that leverage 2-4 parent volunteer coaches, ensuring their contributions are meaningful and integrated into the program.

Player Development

• Prioritize the growth and development of all players.
• Encourage player participation and improvement in a fun and supportive environment.
• Introduce basic lacrosse concepts and terminology in an engaging way.

Collaboration and Communication

• Maintain regular communication with Unit 1 Athletics to align on objectives, player progress, and coaching strategies.
• Work closely with parent volunteers to ensure they feel supported and understand their roles during practices.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching lacrosse or working with youth athletes in a sports setting is preferred.
• Strong understanding of lacrosse fundamentals, with the ability to adapt teaching to young players.
• Ability to create engaging, high-energy practice plans tailored to players of diverse skill levels and ages.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working alongside parent volunteers.
• Passion for working with young athletes and fostering a love for the sport.
• Completion of the Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse Coaching Training is required before the start of the season.

Commitment

• Boys Teams: Practices: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, starting end of March
• Girls Teams: Practices: Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, starting end of March
• Season Length: ~10 weeks, including 20 practices.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter detailing their experience and approach to coaching youth lacrosse to [email protected]. Please specify in your cover letter which age group and gender you are interested in coaching (e.g., "3rd/4th Grade Girls"). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract, Seasonal

Pay: $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Brookline, MA 02445 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Brookline, MA 02445: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person