About Up2Us Sports

Founded in 2010, Up2Us Sports is a national nonprofit organization that is focused on the power of coaches to transform the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable youth, and the communities they live in, through sports. Up2Us Sports is based on a simple premise: That highly trained coaches can be among the most transformative adults in young people’s lives and inspire their success on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

What you’ll do

As an Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps member, you will coach teams and/or programs for elementary to high school age youth. You will be trained on how to become a Sports Based Youth Development Coach to positively impact youth mental and physical well-being. You will monitor youth progress and work with program and/or school staff on sport practice planning, recess facilitation, PE class instruction, and/or small group spaces. Coaches are placed across New York City/Boston in schools and afterschool programs. 

Role and Responsibilities

Experience is not required, but it is preferred that you have some experience working with youth, sports, or both. We provide on-going training opportunities to support you during your service. Also, program and school staff will guide you every step of the way. Below are some specific tasks you may be asked to do:

• Assist PE teacher in class lessons
• Facilitate a structured recess 
• Head coach or assistant coach a sports team
• Work with identified students one-on-one and in small groups
• Develop sport skills by student level, physically displaying and encouraging sport activity 
• Implement a behavior management system for students
• Develop social-emotional skills throughout their day, using evidence-based strategies learned during Up2Us Training.
• Collaborate with program or school staff and team members to collect surveys and roster information
• Create an engaging, safe, and healthy play space for youth to thrive

Additionally, the Up2Us AmeriCorps Coach will:

• Encourage participants to gain and develop life skills, knowledge, and techniques through sport,
using lessons learned at Up2Us Sports’ best in class training events.
• Perform data collection activities, as directed by your Up2Us Sports Program Manager.
• Act as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the community and youth served.

Up2Us AmeriCorps Coaches must complete the following requirements to ensure successful completion of
the AmeriCorps program:

• Completion of the minimum required hours of service and training by last day of coach contract.
• Attendance at the Up2Us Coach orientation.
• Completion of bi-weekly timesheets.
• Attendance at days of community service.
• Attend/participate in Up2Us Sports trainings, meetings, and special initiatives.
• Attend Coach Training Institute (date to be announced by Program Manager).

Uniform Policy:

Coaches must wear Up2Us Sports branded t-shirts provided by Up2Us Sports with AmeriCorps logo when
coaching and at program sessions and events.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents.

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Must have, or be working towards High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of criminal history background checks.
• Ability to perform all job requirements satisfactorily.
• Other requirements as required.

Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps members are as diverse a group as the communities we serve. We’re looking for you if you want to build yourself, give back, and are ready to change the world through the power of sports.