Become A Coach

Casual athlete? High-school all star? Former collegiate coach? Sports lover?

Whatever your experience or interest in sport, we have a place for you as a coach. Some of our coaches have years of coaching experience, others have absolutely none. Some have experience with people with intellectual disabilities, others have none.

Regardless of experience, coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are role models and character builders. Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve.

Philadelphia program coaches assist athletes in developing sports skills and applying them during competitions. Coaches build confidence and self-esteem through sport and conduct demonstrations throughout the community. For more information about how you can become a coach, please contact Michelle Cordell.

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?

• Time commitment: about 1-2 hours per week (nights only) or weekend for practices.
• Attend at least 3 out of 5 (varies per sport) tournaments per season if possible (at no cost to you). 
• In total, you should expect to coach about 25-30 hours per season.
• As a coach, you will be classified as a Class A Volunteer.

SPORTS YOU CAN COACH

What season is it in? What are the rules? Who is the current head coach? Click on the sport you are interested in below:

Athletics (Track & Field) | Aquatics (Swimming) | Basketball | Bocce | Bowling | Floor Hockey | Gymnastics | Soccer | Softball | Tennis | Volleyball 

 

Coaches Oath

I promise that I shall

take part in these special Olympics games

respecting and abiding

by the rules that govern them,

in the true spirit of sportsmanship

for the glory of the sport, 

and the honor of our teams

 

COACHING RESOURCES

Paperwork:

» Special Olympics Coaching Code of Conduct
» SOPA Code of Conduct (PDF)

 

Upcoming Trainings:

If you are scheduled to attend a training and a new training pops up closer to your home and you want to change training class – please sign up for the new one and then contact Michelle Cordell at mcordell@specialolympicspa.org or 215-671-5021 so she can remove you from the other training and open your slot to another coach.

 

 

For any questions, comments, or concerns about Community Coaching, please contact Michelle Cordell at mcordell@specialolympicspa.org or 215-671-5021