Volunteer Needs From: Pittsburgh Cares

In search of: Volunteer Soccer Coaches

Fall 2026 Volunteer Coach Mentor for Open Field + Elliott Athletic Association Community League

Commitment: 9/8/2026-10/29/2026 (8 weeks); 2 evenings per week (i.e. M/W or T/TH); 5:30-8:00pm

Mon/Wed: ages 12-14Tues/Thurs: ages 9-11

Training: Monday, August 31 5:30-8:00pm

What: Open Field partners with the Elliot West-End Athletic Association for the 5th year in running a community soccer league. This is an in-house recreational soccer league. Youth will be placed onto teams and participate in one practice and one game each week (per age group). Open Field implements a trauma-informed approach to coaching, using the game of soccer to teach Social Emotional Learning and Life Skills, along with soccer skills. 

Who: Open Field works largely with youth from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, who will play in the league alongside youth from the wider West End area. Ages 9-14.

Responsibilities: 

Coach a team; this is the main role of volunteers. Each team is assigned 2+ coaches. Open Field staff will provide you with the training, resources, and curriculum you will need to run practices/games. Field set-up/ clean-upCommunicate with Open Field staff about availability, issues or concerns

Requirements

Commit to 2 evenings per weekAttend trainingComplete PA Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History, and FBI Fingerprint Check ClearancesExperience in soccer (at least basic understanding of the game)Comfortable working with youthLeadership SkillsCultural sensitivity and opennessMust provide your own transportation to and from the field