The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department relies heavily on volunteer youth sports coaches to help provide our participants with quality recreational experiences. By utilizing volunteer coaches we are able to minimize the overall cost of providing youth sports programs. Each year over 500 individuals dedicate time to mentoring, shaping and enhancing the lives of over 6,000 youth sports participants in Mecklenburg County.
Anyone who may be interested in volunteering as a head or assistant coach should contact their preferred recreation center to begin the application process. Coaches are encouraged to take a look at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation philosophy on youth sports
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Youth Sports Program Philosophy
The three main goals for the youth sports programs are:
1. Safety
2. Fun
3. Participant development based on:
Everyone plays: Provide opportunities to learn skills and improve conditioning by minimizing roster sizes and ensuring players play at least half of every game.
Balanced Teams: Build teams that are evenly balanced on age and experience.
Positive Coaching: Train and encourage coaches to help develop a child's sense of self-worth.
Sportsmanship: Create a safe, fair, fun, positive environment based on mutual respect.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AND BECOME A YOUTH COACH?
If you are interested in coaching, please contact your local recreation center for more information.
North Corridor Recreation Centers
Hickory Grove Recreation Center 704.432.4811 (28215)
Mallard Creek Recreation Center 704.548.8234 (28269)
Methodist Home Recreation Center 704.568.3363 (28215)
Sugaw Creek Recreation Center 704.596.0107 (28213)
Tuckaseegee Recreation Center 704.399.4492 (28208)
West Charlotte Recreation Center 704.393.1560 (28216)
MLK Recreation Center 704.432.2924 (28213)
Thomasboro Recreation Center 704.399.3911 (28208)
Central Corridor Recreation Centers
Tom Sykes Recreation Center 704.432.4803 (28203)
Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center 704.432.6775 (28208)
Ivory Baker Recreation Center 704.432.4580 (28206)
Arbor Glen Recreation Center 704.432.1531 (20208)
Bette Rae Recreation Center 704.393.7333 (28208)
Merry Oaks Recreation Center 704.569.1496 (28205)
South Corridor Recreation Centers
Southview Recreation Center 704.392.7452 (28208)
Elon Recreation Center 704.540.2426 (28277)
Albermarle Road Recreation Center 704.567.1941 (28227)
Marion Diehl Recreation Center 704.432.0237 (28210)
Naomi Drenan Recreation Center 704.432.5231 (28211)
Winget Recreation Center 704.504.5433 (28278)
Berewick Recreation Center 704.432.4934 (28278)
WILL I RECEIVE ANY TRAINING?
The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department dedicates itself to a complete sport specific training program for all volunteers, which allow opportunities for any individual skill level to lead and coach effectively with confidence. We utilize the National Alliance for Youth Sports Coaches Training and Certification Program, which provides additional educational resources as well as opportunities for more advanced levels of certification.
WILL I BE VOLUNTEERING ALONE?
Volunteering should be a fun and fulfilling experience for you. It's a chance to learn something new and an opportunity to use the skills you already have. If it's a little more of a time commitment than you can offer, find another parent who can share the responsibility with you. Together you can provide twice the insight!
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
Studies have shown that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease. Other reasons for volunteering may include:
- Strengthening your community
- Improving the lives of others by providing a positive influence
- Requirement for school or work
- Increase your self-confidence, physical health and fitness
- Reduce stress and depression
- Meet and connect with new people
In addition to the physical, social and emotional benefits to volunteering, head coaches will receive the following:
- Free coaches shirt or uniform for the specific sport/team
- One (1) free program registration fee for head coach's child ($55 - $65 value)
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age (16 with parental supervision)
- Must complete and submit a volunteer application packet
- Must attend the mandatory coaches meeting for the sport's season
- Must adhere to the Mecklenburg County Coach's Code of Conduct
Estimated Minimum Time Commitment:
Volunteer youth sports coaches will be required to commit to a minimum of two hours a week (one practice Monday through Friday and one game on Saturday morning) for about eight weeks.
COACHING TIPS
How to Substitute Effectively and Efficiently:
If you have 4 or more subs, recognize that subbing will have to be someone's primary job. It’s hard to coach and sub if you have a lot of subs. So, either get someone to do the subbing or to help you coach during the games. Start with a roster and designate positions, starters and substitutes. Keep this list in your hand or pocket during the game. A wristwatch or stopwatch with a countdown timer that has an alarm is a wonderful piece of equipment to have. Decide how frequently you will sub and set the timer for that time. If you sub frequently, your players should stay fresher, especially on a hot day. There is less chance of them disengaging from the game and players will feel like they've played more than if they are sitting for long periods on the sideline. If it doesn't matter to you what positions the players are in, it will be easier. Subbing in groups is recommended.
CLICK ON THE LINKS OF INTEREST BELOW, FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND YOUTH SPORTS AFFILIATIONS:
National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS)
North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA)
Statewide Athletics Committee (SWAC)