Lil Pickleballers Coach in Stafford, Virginia at Eastern Sports Management

Youth Pickleball Coach (Lil Pickleballers)

The Youth Pickleball Coach is responsible for leading engaging, age-appropriate pickleball instruction for children participating in the Lil’ Pickleballers program at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center. The coach will create a fun, positive, and inclusive environment where young players can develop fundamental pickleball skills while building confidence, coordination, teamwork, and a love for the sport.

The ideal candidate is energetic, patient, dependable, and enjoys working with children. Previous pickleball experience is preferred, but a strong understanding of the fundamentals of the sport and a willingness to learn and follow the program curriculum are essential.

The Youth Pickleball Coach will report directly to the Youth Programs Director.

• Lead Lil’ Pickleball classes in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment.

• Teach age-appropriate pickleball fundamentals, including:

  • Paddle control and ball handling

  • Ready position and movement

  • Forehand and backhand fundamentals

  • Serving and returning

  • Basic court positioning

  • Hand-eye coordination and footwork

  • Introduction to game play and basic rules

• Modify activities and instruction based on the age, skill level, and abilities of participants.

• Use games, drills, and activities to keep children engaged and active throughout each class.

• Encourage positive sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and confidence.

• Maintain appropriate control of the class and establish clear expectations for behavior.

• Ensure participants are properly supervised throughout the program.

• Follow all Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center safety policies and procedures.

• Inspect the playing area and equipment before and after each class and report any safety concerns.

• Properly set up and break down equipment for each session.

• Provide positive and constructive feedback to participants.

• Communicate professionally and courteously with parents and guardians.

• Address participant questions and concerns appropriately and communicate any significant issues to the appropriate supervisor.

• Maintain accurate attendance records and complete any required program documentation.

• Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and program orientations.

• Assist with special events, clinics, camps, or other youth pickleball programming as needed.

• Represent the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center in a professional and positive manner.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

• Previous experience working with children in a coaching, teaching, recreation, camp, or similar environment.

• Basic knowledge of pickleball and its fundamental skills and rules.

• Ability to communicate effectively with children and parents/guardians.

• Ability to create a positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

• Dependable, energetic, patient, and enthusiastic personality.

• Ability to actively participate in drills and activities for extended periods.

• Ability to safely supervise children in an active recreational environment.

Preferred:

• Previous youth pickleball coaching or instructional experience.

• Pickleball certification or formal coaching experience.

• Experience working with children ages 4–12.

• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

• Ability to demonstrate basic pickleball skills and participate in drills and activities.

• Ability to lift and carry program equipment weighing up to approximately 30 pounds.

• Ability to respond quickly to the needs of participants in an active recreational environment.

• Primarily indoors in the pickleball/court areas of the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center.

• Position may require early morning, evening, or weekend hours depending on program schedules.

• Work environment is active, fast-paced, and frequently involves working directly with children and families.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.