All-Star How Did You Become A Coach?

[AllHeartxo3]

I've always wanted to coach little kids or a mini team. I've used my little sister and cousins to see how I can explain things to them. I would like to just teach a little basics class. So motions, cartwheels, teach them cute little cheers and dances. I'm 16 and I know people around my age teaching higher level stunt classes, tumbling classes, and even being assistant coaches on some of the teams. I just don't know how to approach a gym owner and what goes down.

 

[marissa.d]

Well i assist or CIT kinda for the younger teams at my gym, and all i did was ask the head coach of the teams if i could help them! It lets me have the experience i want without all of the pressure while i'm still learning!

 

[mollymags]

I've always wanted to coach little kids or a mini team. I've used my little sister and cousins to see how I can explain things to them. I would like to just teach a little basics class. So motions, cartwheels, teach them cute little cheers and dances. I'm 16 and I know people around my age teaching higher level stunt classes, tumbling classes, and even being assistant coaches on some of the teams. I just don't know how to approach a gym owner and what goes down.

If you're cheering at an all-star gym right now, I'd ask if you can help with one of the young teams as a volunteer so you can show that you're interested in doing this and willing to learn how to coach even if you won't be getting paid. I'd also recommend contacting rec/pop warner teams in your area and see if you can coach or help them. When I was in high school I coached rec teams and just the fact that I was in all-star cheer made them very willing to give me a coaching spot. No matter what type of cheer you coach, you might have to start out by just doing volunteer coaching- but the experience that you'll have under your belt will help you move up!

 

[retiredl5cheer]

Agree with all of the above! Check to see if your local Pop-Warner or Rec program offers a camp in the summer that you may be able to work.

 

[retiredl5cheer]

PS, for my own personal experience:
I started working for Spirit Unlimited as a camp counselor. Actually, I believe they have junior staff so you could look into that. After getting a year of teaching really little ones basics such as jumps, motions, sidelines and easy stunts, I applied to work at my old all star gym. I teach level 1 and 2 tumbling, pre-cheer, and junior and senior stunt. I know that my gym allows younger girls/guys to teach classes such as pre-cheer, tryout prep, etc. That could be another good place for you to start.

 

[ChelleShocked]

I made up a routine and showed my coach; she liked it and asked if I'd be interested in coming once a week to help out with her lower level teams. Eventually that grew to helping out at competitions, coming a few times a week, then "officially" assistant coaching (ie. getting paid), and so on.

Start as a volunteer just to learn the ropes and show that you're dedicated; a lot of head coaches at a lot of gyms are even volunteers. See if you can move up from there.

 

[AllHeartxo3]

thanks everyone! i think i'm going to ask one of the local gyms around here or the ymca that is like a mile from my house.

 

[kaylalalaxo]

I coach a minis team and my coach actually came to me and wanted me to help out with her, but just go up to any facility around you and show your interest about coaching a lower level team. I love coaching my mini's their sooo fun and entertaining! :D

 

[cheeeeer93]

Definitely offer to help at a gym with tinys/minis. They can ALWAYS use help at that age group. If you're cheering there, maybe just ask for a little off your tuition, not too much but it is a lot of work so some sort of compensation would be a nice benefit (:
Also, try and get some certifications under your belt. Cheer related, CPR/first aid, ect.

 

[SparkleCoach]

I'm 15 now, but I started my own all-star team in September 2010 at the age of 14. I'm coaching people at my own age, and I'm sure you would make a great coach! I agree with the people above, do something to show your interested in this ;)

 

[INeverStopCheering]

I started as a volunteer on our Tiny Ex team. I always made sure I was at practice and their tumble class, treating it like it was a real job. At the end of the season one of the owners sat down next to me and complimented me on how good I was with kids. He asked if I wanted to teach. When I said no, I wanted a gym of my own, he asked me if I would like to coach summer camp. That summer I coached summer camp during the day and the night when my Shakers tumbled. Then As we came back into fall, I was assigned to coach two tumble classes a week(levels 1-3) Shakers (Tiny Ex) and Hot Shots (Tiny comp.) Now I'm on payroll full time. At my gym I'm not considered and "assistant." Myself and three other young adults (18 and 20) coach Shakers and Hot Shots by ourselves, are responsible for handling their parents and getting them where they need to be at comp. If I'm sick, I have to find my own fill in, I have to be on time, dress appropriately etc. This is a big commitment so make sure this is something you're ready for. I wouldn't trade coaching and the love of those kids for anything in the world