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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Girls on the Run coach at 5K
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Girls on the run coaches with participant in flower crowns
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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>Vous devez avoir au moins 18&nbsp;ans.</li> <li>Remplissez notre candidature d&rsquo;animateur.</li> <li>Consentez &agrave; une v&eacute;rification des ant&eacute;c&eacute;dents et fourni

Requirements

  • Head Coach must be 18 years old
  • CPR and First Aid certified (one coach per team must be certified and present at all practices)
  • Must consent to and complete a background check
  • Attend Girls on the Run coach in-person training and online training
  • Attend two practices per week for a weekly time commitment of approximately 4 hours
  • Have fun!

Responsibilities

  • Have fun while serving as a role model for program participants
  • Get to know and understand your co-coaches to better serve your team
  • 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 (practices and end-of-season 5K event).
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants.

Season Details

  • Join us on January 18 at 6:30 pm to learn more about becoming a new site or new coach for the Spring 2024 season. Stay tuned for registration information!
  • The Spring 2024 season begins the week of April 1, 2024 for Girls on the Run teams.
  • The Spring 2024 season begins the week of March 18, 2024 for Heart & Sole teams.
  • Site liaisons must submit site applications no later than February 19, 2024
  • New coach training must be completed prior to that start of the season
  • New coach training for the Spring 2024 season will be a combination of online and in-person learning. New coaches are required to attend one of the in-person sessions prior to the start of the season.
    • Sunday, March 3, 2024, 1:00-4:00 pm, Phillips Exeter Academy
    • Saturday, March 9, 2024, 1:00-4:00 pm, Plymouth Regional Senior Center
    • Saturday, March 16, 2024, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Hooksett Library
    • Thursday, March 21, 2024, 4:30-7:30 pm, Hooksett Library
  • Return coaches must attend ONE virtual coach update meeting via WebEx from the comfort of your own home!  Link to be shared at a later date. 
    • Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 6:00-7:00 pm
    • Saturday, March 23, 2024, 8:30-9:30 am

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 smiles while holding a program medal at the 5K

"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 at the camera outdoors.

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

Coach Mo

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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!

 

A minimum of one coach per team must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season and be present at every practice.

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 according to their geographic location and their availability at sites that need additional coaches.

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. 

Coaches must attend and lead 90-minute practices twice per week for 8 weeks (GOTR) and 10 weeks (Heart & Sole). 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.  

In addition to the two to three coaches who are 18 years of age or older, some teams may also have a Team Helper. Team Helpers are high school volunteers between the ages 14-18 who complete an application and training. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches and mentor the team. 

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, and schools. The location and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically set in the late afternoon/early evening hours (to accommodate participants after school). 

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach. If coaches do not have a preference, we will work together to determine a location that works for you!

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches, and sometimes a Team Helper. If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant, please mention this in your application and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Merci d’envisager d’accepter le rôle vital d’animateur bénévole pour Girls on the Run. Si vous avez toujours des questions sur la façon de débloquer le pouvoir et le potentiel des filles de votre communauté, veuillez communiqu

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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