BECOME A COACH

Guide, Inspire, and Celebrate: Coaches Make the Magic of SOSC Possible!

Volunteer Opportunities

BECOME A COACH

Guide, Inspire, and Celebrate: Coaches Make the Magic of SOSC Possible!

REGISTER NOW ON GETCONNECTED!

BE THE HEART BEHIND THE TEAM

Special Olympics Southern California needs dedicated coaches, assistant coaches, and team volunteers to help athletes reach their full potential. Stepping into these roles is the next level of impact—beyond a single day of volunteering, you’ll guide growth, build confidence, and create lasting memories with athletes who thrive because of your support. Join us and see how your leadership can transform lives, including your own.

BE THE HEART BEHIND THE TEAM

BECOME A COACH - WE WILL TRAIN YOU!

Find Your Region Below to Locate Coaching and Team Volunteer Opportunities Near You!

Region 1

San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties

Region 2

Los Angeles, Kern, Inyo Counties

Region 3

Riverside, San Bernardino Counties

Region 4

Orange County

Region 5

San Diego, Imperial Counties

Role Descriptions

Coach and Team Volunteer Roles

Team Volunteer | Level 1

Entry level training of Special Olympics for team manager, equipment manager, training site volunteer, chaperone. This is a non-coaching role and cannot provide instruction to athletes. Team volunteers assist Head Coach and Coaches with sports and non-sports training activities.
Ages 14+ may apply.

Los Angeles Communities

Northern Communities
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Inyo Counties

Southern Communities
Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Imperial Counties

Certified Coach | Level 2

Additional training provided in the core coaching components and sports-specific essentials in traditional Special Olympics and Unified Sports. Coaches assist Head Coaches with creating, organizing, and conducting a comprehensive sports training program. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching, preferred.
Ages 16+ may apply.

Los Angeles Communities

Northern Communities
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Inyo Counties

Southern Communities
Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Imperial Counties

Certified Head Coach | Level 3

Advanced training provided for coaching traditional Special Olympics and Unified Sports.
Ages 18+ may apply.

Los Angeles Communities

Northern Communities
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Inyo Counties

Southern Communities
Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Imperial Counties

Coach | Young Athletes

Young Athletes is a program designed for children 2-7 years old. This program focuses on developing motor, social, and cognitive skills with the help of active games, songs, and more! Along with the benefits to mental and physical growth, Young Athletes strengthens social and emotional development and provides a boost in family support. Young Athlete Coaches help carry out the activities during the 8-week program.

Los Angeles Communities

Northern Communities
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, Inyo Counties

Southern Communities
Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Imperial Counties

Other Sports Roles

Games Team Management

Our Games Management Team (GMT) is the magic behind every competition. This team makes up the athlete experience and brings joy to athletes, their families, spectators, volunteers, and more. GMT members are responsible for overseeing daily operations of their assigned functional area within the event. They may be responsible for training and leading day-of teams of volunteers. These positions are ongoing and may require team meetings leading up to competitions. Positions may be open on the regional and chapter level.
Ages 18+ may apply.

To apply for the following roles, please email us at volunteer@sosc.org

Sports Clinician, Officials and Referees

Our volunteers and coaches invest in the athletes and SOSC. In turn, we invest in you with training and support. Our Level 2 and Level 3 Certified Coaches attend sport specific group training to meet certification requirements. Volunteers help lead and conduct the Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) Coaches Education Plan by maintaining a current understanding of rules and best practices associated with coaching a specific sport. A Sports Clinician may be asked to serve as a member of the SOSC Sports Development Team to help formulate the SOSC Coaches Education Plan.
Ages 18+ may apply.

To apply for the following roles, please email us at volunteer@sosc.org

Local Program Team Members

Local Program leaders bring the mission of SOSC to life by coordinating teams and competitions on the local level. Starting a local program or enhancing an existing program takes time and dedication. With support from SOSC staff, new teams, programs, and competitions can spark the joy of sports throughout the chapter.