The St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation & Parks announces it is now recruiting individuals to take part in the Junior Coaches’ Program, which will begin this coming winter sports season. The program is designed to provide additional sports related opportunities for high school students and to set a standard for effective coaching. A maximum of six (6) junior coaches will be selected for the first year of the program. Winter sports coaches will volunteer to serve as mentors for the junior coaches and be approved by R&P. First-year coaches are not eligible to participate in the JCP. Applications are available on the Recreation & Parks website at: www.stmarysmd.com/recreate
JCP training is a proactive approach toward making a significant impact on the future of youth sport coaching in St. Mary’s County. The JCP targets younger coaches, with the goal of creating a consistent standard for coaching. As student athletes age, the sports opportunities available to them decrease. The JCP creates additional opportunities for youth interested in alternative ways of participating in sports by teaching them leadership skills that make it possible for them to seek employment as junior coaches. Through the JCP, youth coaches will gain self-confidence, understand their personal motivations, and develop an interest in becoming leaders.
Some of the benefits of being a Junior Coach include:
- Establish job and character references
- Practice teaching and leadership
- Enjoy personal growth and expanded self-esteem
- Learn to work with children and adults
Specific Qualifications
- Must submit a Student Coach Application Form to the Recreation & Parks Sports Coordinator
- Provide two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or other members of the community
- Be entering junior or senior year of high school
- Must complete a training session sponsored by Recreation & Parks staff
- Possess a strong work ethic
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