All Athletic programs are offered on a seasonal basis, so volunteers are able to participate in more than one if they wish to - - coaching soccer in the fall, and basketball in the winter, for instance. A training session is mandatory for most programs.
Soccer Organization of Charlottesville and Albemarle
This organization promotes youth soccer at all ages. The league encourages a non-competitive environment in which the emphasis is not on winning, but rather on the development of skills and enjoyment of the game. There are co-ed boys and girls teams which range in age groups from eight years old to under 16.
WHAT WILL THE VOLUNTEER DO?
SOCA
Coaches are usually paired in twos or threes, so you and a friend might be interested in coaching a team together, or if you don't have your own car you will be paired with another volunteer who does. It is helpful to have a background in soccer and be experienced dealing with children, but not required. There are practices once a week as scheduled by the coaches, and games each Saturday. Volunteers interested in this program should realize that this is a very important time commitment, because the children and parents depend on you to run the show. Equipment, such as balls, cones and uniforms are provided each season, Fall and Spring.
HOT SHOTS
Hot Shots gives volunteers the opportunity to get involved in coaching through Madison House without a large time commitment. Volunteers will coach 3-5 year olds in the basics of soccer (dribbling, passing, shooting). No experience is required, but volunteers should be prepared to interact with kids and keep them motivated and involved. Hot Shots is only a one hour time commitment per week. Every Saturday morning for about 7-8 weeks, volunteers will lead practices for 45 minutes, then coaches will oversee a soccer game for 15 minutes. Hot Shots is a really fun, engaging way to get involved in Madison House Athletics for those who would prefer a low time commitment.
YMCA
Volunteers are probably familiar with the YMCA and its many contributions to the community. The Charlottesville YMCA is not a large facility but it organizes some of the best athletic programs in the region. Through Madison House's many YMCA Programs, volunteers have an opportunity to be a part of this special organization.
WHAT WILL THE VOLUNTEER DO?
BASKETBALL
Volunteers will coach their own basketball team, and be completely in charge of its members. Madison House encourages volunteers to work in pairs. Since the YMCA BASKETBALL program is designed to be fun, it is not a high pressure atmosphere and the emphasis should be placed on learning instead of winning. As a coach you are a role model for your team. Practices are usually held in local school gyms. Although having a car is not a requirement, it is very helpful. Volunteers without transportation will probably be matched with a volunteer who has a car. As a volunteer you will be given a particular practice time for 1 - 2 hours a week. Games will be on Saturdays. Practices start in mid-November and the season runs until early spring.
ROOKIE SOCCER
The emphasis of Rookie Soccer is for players to learn the fundamentals of soccer, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Volunteers will meet with their assigned team (children ages 3 to 5 years) initially to get to know the children and their parents. They will then lead simple lessons on the basics of kicking and protecting the ball. Time committment is 1-2 hours every Saturday morning from the end of March to the beginning of May. Only minimal soccer experience is necessary.
CHEERLEADING, DANCE OR GYMNASTICS*
Volunteers will be paired as coaches in groups of twos and threes to instruct youth on the fundamentals of Cheerleading, Dance, or Gymnastics. Volunteers will hold weekly practices at the YMCA, and the 6-8 week clinics culminate in a parents' weekend. Ages range from 3-13 (kids are grouped by age) *clinics are taught separately for each cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. Volunteers do not need to be experienced in all three areas!
Flag Football
Volunteers will teach the fundamentals of flag football to 8-10 year olds. Volunteers will serve as assistant coaches to parent head coaches. Practices will be held 1-2 times per week. Games will be scheduled on weekends until November, but will never conflict with UVA Football games.
LACROSSE
Volunteers will be placed in groups of twos and threes and will instruct local youth on the fundamentals of lacrosse. Weekly practices will consist of a fundamentals clinic and a scrimmage. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to coach the children in weekly games.
SWIM COACHING
Volunteers will work with the YMCA swim team to instruct youth ranging from 6-12 years old. As a volunteer you will serve alongside the YMCA staff as swim coaches and mentors. The emphasis of the program is to teach children how to swim with proper stroke and technique. Minimum volunteer time of one hour peer week is required however two hours per week is preferred. The opportunity to attend and help out at swim meets is also in the works! Practices are held year round so there is plenty of time to build relationships and see the kids improve.
McIntire Little League Practice Partners
Volunteers work with an underprivileged Little League player to help him or her with their baseball skills, attend practices and/or games and make a difference in a child's life.
Volunteers for this program need to have a car, and should be able to stay through June to finish out the Little League season if possible.
First Tee of Charlottesville
Volunteers will work with area youth, ages 5-17, to introduce them to the game of golf. The children work on nine core values, learning not only new skills, but important life lessons. Come out to have fun helping local children learn to play golf, or improve their skills. Shifts are on Saturday mornings at local golf courses.
City of Charlottesville Basketball
Volunteers will help coach area youth, ages 7-14, who are participating in the City of Charlottesville Youth Basketball League. The league has about 10 teams, and two volunteers will work together to coach one team. The main goal for volunteers is to create a fun environment for the children while fostering teamwork and teaching them skills they will need to excel in basketball. Since volunteers are such an intricate part of the league and are depended on by their team, a commitment of one hour during the week for practices and one hour on the weekend for games is required. The season starts in early December and ends in mid-spring. Practices and games will take place in school gyms in the area. Having a car will be helpful but is not required, and volunteers without transportation will be paired with volunteers who have a car.
