Coach

Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

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Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches holding participant
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Girls on the run coach in purple shirt holding index cards and standing with participant
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Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

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coach quote

“Being a coach has impacted me in a positive way. I feel more empowered and confident. All the lessons are lessons that even we as adults can learn from. I love the program.”

<ul> <li>You must be at least 18 years of age.</li> <li>Complete our <a href="/coach#signup_anchor">Coach Application</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Consent to and complete a background check.</li> &

Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Complete our Coach Application
  • Consent to and complete a background check.
  • Attend and complete Coach Training.
  • Provide CPR certification information.
  • Commit to the season’s lesson schedule, which is two times per week typically after school in the early afternoon.  

Responsibilities

  • Get to know and understand your co-coaches to better serve your team.
  • Have fun while serving as a role model for program participants.
  • Review, prepare and supervise weekly lessons (curriculum provided by Girls on the Run).
  • Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery.
  • Commit for the entire season (lessons and end-of-season 5K event).
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants. 

Season Details

  • The Season starts at the end of January or begining of February depending on the site.
  • Coach Applications are due by October 1 at the latest.
  • In-person Coach Trainings will be offered between January 3 and January 18, 2025.
  • The end of season 5K will be April 26, 2025.
  • Most of our volunteer coaches amazingly are teachers, parents/guardians or staff at our program sites. Occasionally program sites need help securing coaches, and we are able to match some interested community volunteers with sites in need.

 

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

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A Girls on the Run is smiling at the camera wearing a blue program shirt

"Watching the girls in terms of what they have learned has been really fun this season. I think the best thing they have learned as a group is to have trust in each other and to communicate with each other about how they feel."

Coach Kaylyn

A Girls on the Run coach is wearing a green shirt and running with a program participant.

"As a coach, I just really realized how important it is to pour into this generation of girls and lift them up."

Coach Shayla

A Girls on the Run program coach smiles away from camera while wearing a purple shirt.

"It’s the girls’ smiles that inspire and motivate me."

Coach Mo

Frequently Asked Questions

There are girls who need YOU to help them unleash their power and potential. If you are considering coaching, ask yourself: What better gift can you give to the next generation than inspiring confidence and a strong sense of self?

  • Almost 100% of girls said their Girls on the Run coaches care about them.
  • 99% of coaches agreed that the coaching experience was valuable for them.
  • 96% of coaches said they felt they formed positive relationships with the girls on their team.
  • 94% of Girls on the Run coaches said they felt like they were making a difference in their girls’ lives.
 

No! Girls on the Run provides the training, curriculum and supplies needed to safely lead a team for a season! You simply need to be a motivating role model for your team. Many of our coaches participate in their first 5K alongside their team!

 

All coaches must have CPR certification on file by the first session of any given season.

No. But here is our policy:

  • At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
  • Our Head Coach must be female.
  • All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.

Yes! Community coaches are individuals not directly affiliated with a school or community location who support the Girls on the Run mission. Community coaches are placed at sites that need additional coaches.

Please note that most teams practice after school in the afternoon and site needs, locations and times vary each season. Although there may be a school in your neighborhood, they may not be in need of any more coaches. We do our very best to match interested volunteers with a site in need. However, we cannot always guarantee an opening that fits all volunteers' locations, schedules and interest.

No! We provide you with training, curriculum and supplies – everything needed to coach a safe, successful season! You should not incur any personal costs to provide the program to your team.

Our council provides each program location with the curriculum and supplies needed to facilitate the season. We will contact coaches to arrange pick-up for their team’s materials.  

Coach training includes online self-paced training and an in-person training session. We will provide more information about coach training before the season begins. 

Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grades) coaches must attend and lead 90-minute practices twice per week for 10 weeks. Heart & Sole (6th-8th grades) coaches must attend and lead either 90-minute practices twice per week for 10 weeks or a two hour practice once a week for 10 weeks. To provide a consistent experience to participants, your commitment is crucial to prepare and collaborate with co-coaches to facilitate fun, successful lessons. Each season culminates with a team-led community project and celebratory 5K event.  

Teams may practice at designated schools, parks, recreation centers and other community sites. The location and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically mid-afternoon immediately after school.

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches.

Thanks for considering the vital role of serving as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run. If you still have questions about how you can unlock the power and potential girls in your community, please contact us!

Thanks for considering the vital role of serving as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run. If you still have questions about how you can unlock the power and potential girls in your community, please contact us!

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Smiling Girls on the Run participant in wheelchair writing as kneeling coach helps

Love what you learned about our program and coaches? Sign your girl up today!

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