Head Soccer Coach - Middle School

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with over 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees. We focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community through our Trail to Excellence (T2E) initiative. Your work will directly support our mission of providing excellent service and our vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible.

About the role

As the Head Soccer Coach, you’ll lead soccer practices and games for middle school-aged and older participants. You’ll plan and lead practices, teach soccer skills and fundamentals, communicate with families, and create an organized and enjoyable experience for players. You’ll work closely with Parks and Recreation staff and other coaches to deliver programs aligned with the City’s youth sports philosophy: having fun, providing equal playing time, and teaching proper fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-season staff orientation and training.
• Arrive at assigned soccer program locations on time and prepare for practices, games, and other activities.
• Plan and lead soccer practices, games, instructional activities, and other recreational programs for middle school-aged and older participants.
• Develop and submit soccer practice plans and supply requests to the Recreation Supervisor.
• Organize and lead practices, games, and other scheduled soccer activities.
• Teach appropriate soccer techniques, skills, and fundamentals.
• Establish and communicate program expectations to players and parents or guardians.
• Communicate program information (e.g., practice/game times, locations, equipment needs) to parents or guardians.
• Emphasize and model good sportsmanship, helping participants maintain a healthy perspective on competition and winning.
• Follow the Parks and Recreation youth sports philosophy, including equal playing time, sportsmanship, and proper fundamentals.
• Assist the Program Coordinator or Recreation Supervisor with scheduling contests, practices, and other activities.
• Create an environment that supports participation, learning, teamwork, and enjoyment.
• Ensure participant safety by identifying hazards, maintaining safe playing areas, and adapting activities to weather conditions and skill levels.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service training.
• Wear appropriate attire and designated staff shirts while on duty.
• Properly use, organize, and care for soccer equipment, supplies, records, and facilities.
• Work cooperatively with Parks and Recreation staff and other coaches.
• Follow City and Parks and Recreation policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience in soccer or recreational coaching.
• Ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
• Possession of a valid Colorado driver’s license, where applicable.

Experience working with children in an educational or recreational environment is preferred.

Skills

• Ability to teach soccer skills and fundamentals in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
• Comfort leading practices, games, and recreational activities for youth.
• Clear and respectful communication with players, families, coworkers, and other coaches.

Benefits

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area.
• Free Transit pass.
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge with prizes and cash rewards.

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age (40+), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status under state or local law.

City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.