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Play Coach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coach Across America

HT Coach

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

... play environment Coach Across America AmeriCorps Coaches must complete the following requirements to ensure successful completion of the AmeriCorps program: Completion of the minimum required hours ...

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$10

$19

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How much do play coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for play coach in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Play Coach typically collaborate with teachers and support staff in an educational setting?

Play Coaches often work closely with teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to create a positive, inclusive playground environment. They may coordinate with educators to reinforce social and emotional learning goals during recess, share observations about student behavior, and help develop strategies for conflict resolution. Regular communication ensures that play-based interventions align with classroom objectives, fostering consistency for students. This collaborative approach helps address individual needs and promotes a safe, engaging space for all children.

What is the difference between Play Coach vs Play Therapist?

AspectPlay CoachPlay Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires training in play coaching or child development, but not necessarily a formal therapy qualificationRequires a recognized qualification in play therapy or counseling, often a master's degree
Work EnvironmentWorks in schools, community centers, or sports clubs focusing on play-based activitiesWorks in clinics, private practices, or hospitals providing therapeutic interventions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by educational and recreational organizations to support children's developmentUsed by mental health organizations, clinics, and private practices for mental health support

While both Play Coaches and Play Therapists work with children through play, Play Coaches focus on developmental and recreational activities without providing clinical therapy. Play Therapists are trained mental health professionals who use play as a therapeutic tool to address emotional and psychological issues.

What are Play Coaches?

Play Coaches are professionals who facilitate and guide play-based activities for children, typically in educational, recreational, or therapeutic settings. Their main role is to encourage creativity, social interaction, and physical activity through structured and unstructured play. Play Coaches often work in schools, sports clubs, community centers, or private organizations, helping children develop important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. They design engaging activities tailored to different age groups and abilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Play Coach, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Play Coach, you need a background in child development, physical education, or a related field, often supported by experience in coaching or youth work. Familiarity with activity planning tools, risk assessment protocols, and sometimes first aid certification is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to motivate and engage children are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable, and educational play experiences that support children's social, physical, and emotional development.
More about Play Coach jobs
What job categories do people searching Play Coach jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Play Coach jobs are:
Play Coach jobs near you
Infographic showing various Play Coach job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,970 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

AmeriCorps Coach with Coach Across America

Coach Across America

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary:

About Up2Us Sports


Founded in 2010, Coach Across America is a national nonprofit organization that is focused on the power of coaches to transform the lives of our nations most vulnerable youth, and the communities they live in, through sports. Coach Across America is based on a simple premise: That highly trained coaches can be among the most transformative adults in young peoples lives and inspire their success on the field, in the classroom, and in life.


What youll do


As a Coach Across America AmeriCorps member, you will coach teams and/or programs for elementary to high school age youth. You will be trained on how to become a Sports Based Youth Development Coach to positively impact youth mental and physical well-being. You will monitor youth progress and work with program and/or school staff on sport practice planning, recess facilitation, PE class instruction, and/or small group spaces. Coaches are placed across New York City/Boston in schools and afterschool programs.


Role and Responsibilities


Experience is not required, but it is preferred that you have some experience working with youth, sports, or both. We provide on-going training opportunities to support you during your service. Also, program and school staff will guide you every step of the way. Below are some specific tasks you may be asked to do:


  • Assist PE teacher in class lessons
  • Facilitate a structured recess
  • Head coach or assistant coach a sports team
  • Work with identified students one-on-one and in small groups
  • Develop sport skills by student level, physically displaying and encouraging sport activity
  • Implement a behavior management system for students
  • Develop social-emotional skills throughout their day, using evidence-based strategies learned during Coach Across America Training.
  • Collaborate with program or school staff and team members to collect surveys and roster information
  • Create an engaging, safe, and healthy play space for youth to thrive


Additionally, the Coach Across America Coach will:


Encourage participants to gain and develop life skills, knowledge, and techniques through sport,
using lessons learned at Coach Across Americabest in class training events.
Perform data collection activities, as directed by your Coach Across America Program Manager.
Act as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the community and youth served.


Coach Across America AmeriCorps Coaches must complete the following requirements to ensure successful completion of
the AmeriCorps program:


Completion of the minimum required hours of service and training by last day of coach contract.
Attendance at the Coach Across America Coach orientation.
Completion of bi-weekly timesheets.
Attendance at days of community service.
Attend/participate in Coach Across America trainings, meetings, and special initiatives.
Attend Coach Training Institute (date to be announced by Program Manager).


Uniform Policy:


Coaches must wear Coach Across America branded t-shirts provided by Coach Across America with AmeriCorps logo whencoaching and at program sessions and events.


Eligibility & Qualifications


  • AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have, or be working towards High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Must have access to reliable transportation.
  • Successful completion of criminal history background checks.
  • Ability to perform all job requirements satisfactorily.
  • Other requirements as required.


Coach Across America AmeriCorps members are as diverse a group as the communities we serve. Were looking for you if you want to build yourself, give back, and are ready to change the world through the power of sports.