Recreational Youth Teams Head Coach

Climbing Business Journal; Bridgeport (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free climbing gym membership

Staff discounts

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Reach Climbing & Fitness is seeking a passionate Recreational Youth Teams Head Coach to lead our Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-Comp teams. You will craft age-appropriate training plans, mentor assistant coaches, and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for climbers across all levels.

You will work closely with the Climbing Program Director to support athlete progression, maintain a positive team culture, and uphold safety procedures during practices and events.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching youth athletes.
• Ability to plan and lead structured practices.
• Strong leadership and communication within a coaching staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee practices for Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-Comp recreational teams.
• Develop and implement training plans focused on technique, movement, strength, and skill development.
• Provide feedback to support athlete progression and mentor assistant coaches.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and motivating team environment.
• Collaborate with Program Director to maintain standards and support growth.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Organizational

Practice planning

Job description

Part-Time | 20–25 Hours per Week | Reach Climbing & Fitness

About Team Reach

Team Reach is an elite youth climbing program dedicated to developing climbers of all ages and experience levels. Our coaching staff is committed to helping young athletes achieve their goals, whether that means excelling in indoor climbing competitions or building the skills and confidence to climb outdoors.

We offer a variety of youth climbing teams, ranging from recreational to competitive, with an emphasis on skill development, personal growth, and a lifelong passion for climbing.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, and motivated Recreational Youth Teams Head Coach to lead and oversee our recreational climbing teams!

Our recreational team program consists of three levels: Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-Comp. These teams are designed to help young climbers develop their skills, build confidence, and progress in a fun, challenging, and supportive environment.

As the Recreational Teams Head Coach, you’ll be responsible for leading practices, mentoring coaching staff, and ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for athletes across all recreational team levels. You’ll work closely with the Climbing Program Director to develop training plans, support athlete progression, and maintain a positive team culture.

This position is ideal for an experienced climber and coach who enjoys working with youth, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is excited to help grow a developing program.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee practices for Intermediate, Advanced, and Pre-Comp recreational climbing teams
• Develop and implement structured, age-appropriate training plans focused on climbing technique, movement, strength, and overall skill development
• Provide individualized instruction and feedback to support athlete progression
• Mentor and support assistant coaches to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and motivating team environment
• Monitor athlete development and assist with team placements and advancement recommendations
• Communicate professionally with athletes, parents, and coaching staff regarding progress, expectations, and program updates
• Collaborate with the Climbing Program Director to maintain program standards and support continued growth
• Ensure all practices follow established safety procedures and gym policies
• Assist with competitions, community events, and other gym initiatives as needed

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of climbing technique, movement, training principles, and safety practices
• Previous coaching, teaching, or youth instructional experience
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to plan and lead structured, engaging practices for athletes of varying ages and abilities
• Positive, patient, and team-oriented attitude
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with other coaches and management
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of climbing experience
• Previous experience coaching youth climbing teams
• Proficiency in lead climbing and bouldering
• Experience developing training plans and tracking athlete progressionPrevious experience supervising or mentoring other coaches
• Familiarity with USA Climbing’s youth competition structure

Compensation & Benefits

• Part-time position: 20–25 hours per week
• Competitive hourly pay, commensurate with experience
• Free climbing gym membership and staff discounts
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications
• Leadership experience within a growing youth climbing program
• Potential opportunities for additional hours and professional growth as the program expands
• Supportive, collaborative coaching environment and a passionate climbing community