Youth Development Coach (Part-Time)

Comunidad Lift; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is seeking Youth Development Coaches to join our Academy Centres and Camps network in British Columbia. You will deliver developmentally appropriate training and contribute to a structured coach education pathway with mentorship from senior technical staff.

Applicants should bring a passion for youth development, strong communication, and a collaborative mindset. Training opportunities and progression within a professional club environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in coaching, teaching, or leadership roles.
• Desire to learn and grow in a professional coaching environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate training sessions aligned with The Whitecaps Way.
• Create a positive, safe, inclusive environment for every player.
• Support player development through instruction, role modelling and feedback.
• Assist with session setup, equipment care and facility oversight as required.
• Communicate professionally with parents, players and colleagues.
• Maintain attendance records and complete player evaluations.
• Support professionalism, respect, teamwork, and growth across programming.
• Occasionally support tournaments, showcases, camps and club events.

Skills

Youth coaching

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Playing experience

Education

National coaching certifications (Canada Soccer, USSF, UEFA)

Job description

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is looking for motivated and positive Youth Development Coaches to join our growing team across our Academy Centres and Camps networkbased in Okanagan, B.C.

These roles support the delivery of premium soccer training experiences for young players of all levels. Positions are available for coaches at all stages of their development – from emerging coaches beginning their journey to experienced coaches seeking a professional club environment.

Coaches will participate in a structured internal coach education pathway that includesmentorship from senior technical leaders, regular practical learning, and opportunities for advancement into more senior coaching assignments across the Whitecaps FC player pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and developmentally appropriate training sessions in alignmentwith The Whitecaps Way training methodology and values.
• Create a positive, safe, challenging, and inclusive environment for every player.
• Support player development through clear instruction, role modelling, andconstructive feedback.
• Assist with session setup and takedown, equipment care, and facility oversight asrequired.
• Communicate professionally with parents, players, and colleagues before, during,and after sessions when needed (arrival, attendance, safety, expectations, etc.).
• Maintain accurate attendance records and complete player evaluations whenassigned.
• Support the culture of professionalism, respect, teamwork, and growth across allprogramming.
• From time to time, support special events including tournaments, showcases,camps, and club experiences.

Qualifications & Experience

We welcome applicants with diverse coaching backgrounds. Candidates may be placedinto coaching assignments based on experience and education, with training provided.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with youth in a coaching, teaching, or leadership capacity.
• Desire to learn and grow in a professional coaching environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate within a team environment and take feedback in a growthminded way.
• National coaching certifications (Canada Soccer, USSF, UEFA, or equivalent).
• Playing experience is an asset but not required.

Coach Pathway & Professional Development

Youth Development Coaches benefit from a structured internal advancement model,which may include:

• Mentorship from Senior Technical Coaches
• Internal coach education and on-field learning opportunities
• Access to curriculum and training resources
• Practical evaluations and development plans
• Progressive coaching assignments across:
  • Camps programming
  • Academy Centres
  • Prospects programming
  • Specialized programs (GK, Finishing, etc.)
  • Academy and high-performance environments

Advancement within the pathway is based on performance, professionalism, reliability,and commitment to learning.

Requirements

• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends based on program schedule.
• Ability to travel locally to assigned programming.
• Successful completion of required certifications prior to coaching:
  • Criminal Record Check / Vulnerable Sector Check
  • SafeSport / Respect in Sport (or equivalent)
  • Emergency First Aid (if required)
  • Adherence to safety, safeguarding, and operational policies.

Why Join Us?

Join Vancouver Whitecaps FC and grow your coaching career within a professional club environment committed to developing both players and coaches. Through mentorship, practical learning, and a structured internal coaching pathway, you’ll have opportunities to build your skills, gain valuable experience, and progress into more advanced coaching assignments across the Whitecaps FC player pathway.

The Club

Vancouver Whitecaps FC is the longest-running professional soccer club in Canada and the United States. Since its inaugural season in 1974, the club has united generations of loyal fans in British Columbia and beyond. With academies in eight out of ten provinces, a network of partner clubs, and hundreds of camps and clinics every year, Whitecaps FC provide a foundation for Canada’s soccer future.

We are also strongly committed to providing opportunities to Canadian athletes, both male and female, with the largest soccer development structure in Canada. This includes academy programs in eight of ten provinces across the country.

In addition to building a winning team on and off the pitch, the Club places great importance in giving back to our community, harnessing the power of sport to create a stronger, more equitable & inclusive society through three key community goals: helping meet critical needs, using soccer to build life skills and creating soccer participation opportunities in Indigenous communities.

Inclusion Statement

Vancouver Whitecaps FC believes that diversity and inclusion is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This includes but is not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People & Culture department.

“Within these walls, you are welcomed, accepted, and respected. Here, no matter who you are or where you come from, you are home. And you’re part of the team regardless of your age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, marital or family status, disability, or religious belief or non-belief.All we ask is that you be ethical and inclusive in all that you do. Be respectful of all players, fans, and staff, and remember to cheer loudest for the ones wearing the blue and white. Go ‘Caps!”

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.