How to Find Coaches and Get Sports Club Recruitment Right: A Guide for Kids’ Activity Providers
Sports club recruitment involves so much more than hiring someone who can kick a ball or blow a whistle. Especially when you run a kids’ sports club, there are extra layers of responsibility to think about, from background checks to making sure your coaches are role models the kids can look up to.
And we get it. Trying to find great coaches and build a strong team can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Where do you even begin? And how do you make sure you’re finding people who will stick around and help your club grow, not just for one season but for the long term?
If you’re wondering how to find coaches who will bring the kids together, inspire them with confidence, and help your club attract even more families, you are in the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sports club recruitment.
Your 5-Step Guide to Finding Great Coaches for Your Youth Sports Club
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Before you start advertising, take a step back and get clear on what you need. The right coach can make all the difference, but only if you know what you’re looking for from the start.
Here’s what to consider:
- Skillset: What specific sports experience do they need? Are you looking for a football coach with FA Playmaker training or a multi-sport coach who can teach a bit of everything and keep the energy high?
- Experience with kids: A great athlete does not automatically make a great youth sports coach. Always prioritise people who have real experience working with children, even if it is through volunteering or part-time roles.
- DBS/PVG Checks: Make sure candidates already have, or are willing to get, the necessary background checks to work safely with children.
- Availability: Be upfront about when you need them. A fantastic coach who is only free on Wednesday mornings will not help much if your sessions run after school or on weekends.
Tip: Always value coaching attitude over a long list of trophies. Kids need patience, encouragement, and positive energy far more than someone who can show off fancy footwork.
2. How to Find Coaches: Where to Start Your Search
You don’t need a massive budget or a professional recruiter to find great coaches. Many youth sports clubs build brilliant teams simply by knowing where to look.
Here are some tried-and-tested places to start:
- Local colleges and universities: Students studying sports or PE often need hands-on experience. Reach out to course leaders and offer flexible hours that fit around their schedules.
- Parents at your club: You might already have coaching talent on the sidelines. Some parents have experience or are keen to train and get involved.
- Social Media: Everything’s online these days, and you can use that to your advantage. Post in local Facebook groups, community pages, or LinkedIn to get the word out.
- Word of Mouth: Ask around. Your current coaches, parents, and players may know someone looking for exactly this kind of opportunity.
Tip: If you offer paid training or FA coaching courses, make that clear. This can be a real draw for coaches who want to develop their skills and grow with your club.
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5. Set New Coaches Up for Success
The recruitment process doesn’t end once you say, “you’re hired.” In fact, that’s just the beginning. To get the most out of your new coaches and keep them long term, you need to set them up with the right support from day one.
Here’s how to help new coaches settle in and thrive:
- Offer a proper induction: Give them a warm welcome. Show them around, walk them through your club’s rules and routines, and introduce them to the rest of the team.
- Mentor them: Pair them with an experienced coach during their first couple of weeks. It builds confidence, encourages consistency, and gives them a go-to person for support.
- Keep communication open: Check in regularly, especially early on. Ask what’s going well and where they might need help.
- Invest in training: Support them in developing both practical and professional skills, from first aid to leadership, and even business and marketing knowledge. Helping them grow helps you take a step back and know your club is in good hands.
Make your coaches feel valued, supported, and part of something meaningful, and they’ll stick around, making your club stronger and more successful.
Build a Coaching Team that Grows with Your Club
Sports club recruitment doesn’t have to be overwhelming (well, maybe just the right mix of excitement and stress). When you know how to find coaches who genuinely care about helping kids grow, and you support them properly, you’ll build a team that lifts your whole club.
And here’s some more good news.
You don’t have to run your club manually anymore.
At ClassForKids, we’ve created a booking and management system that’s easy for you and for parents to use. It saves you 15+ hours a week by handling payments, finances, team management, safeguarding, and more, so you can focus on mentoring new coaches, growing your sports club, and building a business you’re proud of.
Ready to get back your time and grow your coaching team?
Head over to our dedicated sports club industry page to see how ClassForKids can help.
Melih Kalender
Melih’s our go-to for blogs that intrigue, guides that inform, and ads that grab your attention. When he’s not writing content, you’ll find him chasing the stories behind words, experimenting in the kitchen, or plotting his next big adventure.
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