Support Coach - Free to Play Edmonton

Free Play for Kids Inc.; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Free Play for Kids is seeking enthusiastic Support Coaches for the Free to Play program on a part-time basis in Edmonton. You will work with children ages 7-12 at elementary schools, supporting four core sports: flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball, on a rotating weekly schedule.

You will assist Head Coaches, participate in the Sport to Life course, and help develop youth through physical literacy and social-emotional learning while gaining hands-on coaching experience.

Qualifications

• Working toward or completing a degree in Physical Education, Sport and Recreation, Kinesiology, Education, Sociology, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or related field.
• Experience coaching or leading youth sports teams or extensive playing experience.
• Coaching or playing experience in flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball; multi-sport experience is an asset.
• Interest in youth development, mentorship, and personal growth.
• First Aid Certification and CPR training, or ability to obtain quickly.
• Clear, up-to-date Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check.
• Valid driver's license with reliable vehicle; may cover schools across a region.
• Availability to begin work at 12:00 pm on Thursdays (required for placements at ECSD schools).
• NCCP training or sport-specific certification is considered a major asset.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Coaches in delivering after-school programming for kids ages 7-12 across four sports.
• Help run practices, games, and skill-building activities while keeping kids engaged and safe.
• Set up and pack away sport equipment for all four sports sessions.
• Supervise children and maintain the Rule of Two at all times.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance and check-in/check-out procedures.
• Participate in weekly Sport to Life course to build leadership and life skills.
• Build positive relationships with youth and act as a positive role model.
• Complete training and certifications through Free Play training program.
• Communicate regularly with Head Coaches, fellow coaches, and Program Managers.
• Model organizational values in interactions with families and communities.

Skills

Sports knowledge

Coaching ability

Energetic leadership

Self-development

Organization

Adaptability

Reliability

Time management

Inclusion

Education

Degree in Physical Education / Sport & Recreation / Kinesiology

Experience coaching youth sports

First Aid & CPR certification

Criminal Record check (Vulnerable Sector)

Driver's license & reliable vehicle

NCCP or sport-specific certification (asset)

Job description

Free Play for Kids is seeking enthusiastic Support Coaches to join our Free to Play program on a part-time basis. If you have lots of energy, sports experience, and enjoy working with children, we'd love to have you on board! As a Free to Play Support Coach, you will spend most of your time working directly with kids ages 7-12 at one of our elementary school sites, supporting the delivery of our four core sports — flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball — on a rotating weekly basis.

A successful candidate will support Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches in delivering high-quality after-school sport programming, going beyond traditional coaching methods by incorporating a focus on holistic development, including physical literacy and social-emotional learning. Support Coaches will also participate in the Sport to Life course each week to build their own leadership and life skills. This role is a great opportunity for aspiring coaches who want hands‑on experience working with kids and youth while developing personally and professionally at Free Play for Kids.

Education & Qualifications

Working towards or completing a degree or diploma in Physical Education, Sport and Recreation, Kinesiology, Education, Sociology, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.

Experience coaching or leading youth sports teams and/or extensive playing experience.

Coaching and/or playing experience in one or more of flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball; experience across multiple sports is an asset.

Interest in youth development, mentorship, and personal growth.

Standard First Aid Certification and CPR training, or the ability to obtain quickly.

Clear, up-to-date Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check.

Valid driver's license with a reliable vehicle, as this role requires transportation and day‑to‑day flexibility; you may be called on short notice to cover schools across a region.

Availability to begin work at 12:00 pm on Thursdays (required for placements at ECSD schools).

NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) training or sport‑specific certification in flag football, ball hockey, soccer, or basketball is considered a major asset.

Key Responsibilities

Support Head Coaches in delivering after‑school programming for kids ages 7-12 across all four Free to Play sports — flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball.

Help run practices, games, and skill‑building activities in each of the four sports, with the goal of keeping kids engaged, having fun, and staying safe.

Help set up and pack away sport‑specific equipment for flag football, ball hockey, soccer, and basketball sessions.

Supervise all children in the session, ensuring the Rule of Two is maintained at all times.

Maintain accurate daily attendance, ensuring proper check‑in and check‑out procedures.

Actively participate in weekly Sport to Life course sessions, learning leadership, teamwork, and life skills alongside other coaches, and apply lessons from the course to your role as a coach and mentor.

Build positive relationships with youth and act as a positive role model.

Participate in work assignments arising from special events, special projects, or overall program initiatives.

Complete required training and certifications through the Free Play training program to strengthen coaching, leadership, and youth‑development skills across all four sports.

Maintain consistent communication with Head Coaches, fellow coaches, and Program Managers.

Model key organizational values through interactions with team members, families, and the communities we serve.

Adhere to the company's clothing policy by wearing the provided name tag and vest at all times while on duty.

Understand the power of sport as a tool for social good.

Skills & Knowledge

Strong sports knowledge and coaching ability.

Energetic, positive, and youth‑centered leadership style.

Open to learning and self‑development.

Organized, adaptable, and dependable.

Culturally respectful and inclusive.

Reliable with strong time management.

Position Conditions

This is a part‑time paid position.

Hours of work are determined by the program schedule and are typically:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm.

Thursdays from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Coaches assigned to ECSD schools must be available to begin work at 12:00 pm on Thursdays.

This role requires reliable transportation and day‑to‑day flexibility, as coaches may be called on short notice to cover schools across a region.

Attendance at mandatory training sessions held on school PD (professional development) days is required.

The job is performed in schools and recreation settings, but work settings may vary depending on the project and which of the four sports is in season.

Free Play for Kids is an equal‑opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are values of Free Play for Kids. Free Play for Kids welcomes applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Free Play for Kids respectfully operates on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our community.