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.

Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches holding participant

Girls on the run coach holding sign reading intuitive

Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

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.”

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Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age.
Complete our Coach Registration Application.
Complete all required background checks.
Attend and finish Coach Training.
At least one coach / team must be CPR certified. We can work with you to provide CPR certification.
Commit to the season’s practice schedule, which is two times per week, most often during afterschool hours (late 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 and all season materials 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

The Fall 2022 Season starts the week of September 19.
New Coach Training sessions offered in early September. See FAQs below for more details.
The end of season 5K date: December 4, 2022 at the Navy Yard.

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

Fall 2022 Coach Registration

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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

Why are coaches important?

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.

Do I need to be a runner or athlete to be a coach?

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!

When and where is coach training?

Coach training includes online self-paced training and an in-person training session.

The coach application form will ask NEW coaches to choose one of the following coach training sessions:

1) September 7 from 4:30-9pm at the CHOP Roberts Ctr (734 Schuylkill Ave)

2) September 10 from 8:30am-1pm at Norwood Fontbonne Academy in Chestnut Hill

3) September 15 from 4:30-9pm at the CHOP Roberts Ctr (734 Schuylkill Ave)

Are coaches all female?

No, we have some superstar male Coaches!

Here is our policy:

At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
Junior Coaches must be at least 16 years of age.

Do I need to be CPR certified?

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. We are able to provide CPR certification training if necessary.

I am not affiliated with a school or community center where the program occurs, can I still coach?

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.

Do I need to come up with lesson plans or workouts?

No! We provide you with training, curriculum and supplies – everything needed to coach a safe, successful season!

When and how will I get my coaching materials?

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.

What is the time commitment of coaching?

Coaches must attend and co-lead 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.

What is the role of junior coaches?

In addition to the two to three coaches who are 18 years of age or older, some teams may also have a Junior Coach assigned. Junior Coaches are high school volunteers between the ages 16-18 who complete an application and training. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches and mentor the team.

Will I be reimbursed for coaching expenses?

Yes - each team receives a site allowance to pay for snacks (which are provided at each practice), community impact project supplies, and end of season celebration supplies. Coaches must submit all receipts related to program expenses and will be reimbursed for an amount not to exceed to site allowance.

When and where are practices held?

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

Can I choose where I coach?

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.

Can I coach a team with a friend or family member?

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by at least 3 trained coaches, and sometimes a Junior Coach. 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.

Who can I contact with questions?

We would love to hear from you! Feel free to contact our Program Manager, Heather Plastaras at heather.plastaras@girlsontherun.org with coaching questions!

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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