Pickleball Coach at Special Olympics North Carolina
Opportunity Overview Special Olympics Johnson County in North Carolina is recruiting volunteer pickleball coaches, assistant coaches, and unified partners to work with local athletes who have intellectual disabilities. The program aims to launch a weekly practice at a local pickleball court where athletes can learn and develop their skills. The exact court location and practice times are still being determined, depending on coach availability and court access. This is a volunteer coaching role, not a paid position. The commitment runs approximately 8 weeks, with typically one 1-hour practice each week. Coaches also attend one weekend tournament in November at the Special Olympics North Carolina Fall Tournament. You can coach on your own, team up with a co-coach, or bring an assistant, whatever arrangement works best for you. Special Olympics is a global organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The North Carolina chapter, known as SONC, serves thousands of athletes across the state through local county programs like the one in Johnson County. Volunteers are the backbone of this operation, and coaches are considered the heart of the program because they work directly with athletes at every practice and competition. Johnson County sits in eastern North Carolina, a rural area with a slower pace of life and a warm climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild. The cost of living is well below the national average, and the community is tight-knit. For volunteers, the work is local and flexible, so there is no relocation or travel burden beyond the state-level tournament in November. The best part of this role is that you never pay for anything. Wayne County Special Olympics provides all equipment, uniforms, coaching shirts, and supplies, and travel expenses for state-level competitions are covered. The only thing you need to bring is pickleball knowledge, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Special Olympics provides the training you need to become a successful coach. Benefits - 100% volunteer position with no cost to you - All equipment, uniforms, coaching shirts, and supplies provided by Wayne County Special Olympics - Travel expenses covered for state-level competitions - Free coach training provided by Special Olympics - Opportunity to build physical and social skills in athletes and instill self-confidence - Flexible coaching arrangement, solo, with a co-coach, or with an assistant Eligibility - Must be at least 18 years old to become a certified coach - Must have pickleball knowledge and playing experience - Must be passionate, dedicated, and committed to working with intellectually disabled athletes - Must be able to commit to approximately 8 weeks of practice, typically one 1-hour session per week - Must be available to attend the weekend tournament in November at the Special Olympics North Carolina Fall Tournament - No prior coaching experience required, training is provided How to Apply 1. Contact Special Olympics Johnson County to express your interest in becoming a pickleball coach, assistant coach, or unified partner. 2. Complete the coach certification process, which includes the training provided by Special Olympics. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.