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 holding sign reading intuitive
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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

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Commit to the team's practice schedule; lessons are twice-weekly after school at school sites, or various times at community center sites.
  • Complete Coach Application, open June 3 for the fall season
  • Consent to and complete a background check.
  • Complete online training modules and attend one (1) in-person Coach Training session - this is a required step to move forward as a coach! Options for in-person session for Fall 2024 training:
    • Thursday, Aug. 1, 9AM-12PM, GOTR office at 4480 Lake Forest Dr in Blue Ash
    • Wednesday, Aug. 7, 6-9PM, GOTR office in Blue Ash
    • Saturday, Aug. 10, 9AM-12PM, Junior League of Cincinnati, 3500 Columbia Pkwy
    • Sunday, Aug. 11, 12-3PM, Junior League of Cincinnati
  • Commit to the team’s practice schedule; lessons are twice-weekly after school.  

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 which includes the team’s twice-weekly practice schedule and the GOTR 5K at the end of the season.
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants. 

Season Details

Details below are season-specific

  • Coach application opens June 3, 2024
  • Submit Coach Application by: Friday, July 5, 2024.
  • Online coach training modules assigned in July (to be completed prior to in-person training session for new coaches)
  • Program recruiting materials shared with head coaches in July
  • In-person coach trainings held in August (see dates in requirements section)
  • Youth participant registration: Aug. 19 - 28
  • Team lottery run and rosters set: Aug. 30
  • Fall 2024 season: begins week of Sept. 9    
  • The end of season 5K date: Saturday, Nov. 16.  

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!

 

Not at all, we welcome male coaches and value the diverse role models they add to our teams. We require that at least one female coach be present at all times.

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 75 to 90-minute practices twice per 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.  

In addition to the three coaches who are 18 years of age or older, some teams may also have a few high school helpers. These are high school volunteers between the ages 14-18 who complete a Team Helper application. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches by assisting with lesson set up, running with the girls, and helping coaches as needed. 

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) and are scheduled on non-consecutive days.

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location in need. 

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