Growing the Next Generation of Leaders and Coaches

From player to mentor — the Leadership Academy is where young athletes learn to lead, teach, and inspire.

The I Got Skills Leadership Academy gives motivated teens ages 13–16 the opportunity to build confidence, communication skills, and coaching experience while helping our staff run youth soccer camps for players ages 6–12.

Participants start as Junior Coaches (volunteer role with lunch provided) and can advance to paid Assistant Coach positions through hands-on experience and mentorship.

🌟 Why Join the Leadership Academy?

• Learn by Leading – work alongside I Got Skills coaches to run warm-ups, skill stations, and games.

• Gain Real Experience – develop leadership, teamwork, and communication in a fun, structured setting.

• Give Back to the Game – inspire younger players and make a positive impact on the soccer community.

• Earn Recognition – service hours, mentorship, and a clear path to paid coaching roles.

• Enjoy the Perks – daily lunch on us, staff shirt, and exclusive Leadership Academy events.

⚽ The Leadership Pathway

We grow leaders just like we grow players — step by step.
Here’s how the I Got Skills coaching journey works:

Step 1: Junior Coach (Ages 13–16)

Volunteer alongside our coaching team during I Got Skills camps.
You’ll assist with drills, organize stations, and support young players — always under staff supervision.

• Ages 13–14: Stay in the Junior Coach role for 2–5 camps to gain experience, learn communication, and develop leadership confidence.

• Ages 15–16 (High School): After completing 2 successful camps as a Junior Coach, you become eligible to apply for the Assistant Coach (paid) position.

Includes: lunch each day, staff shirt, mentorship, and service-hour documentation.

Step 2: Assistant Coach (Paid Position)

After meeting your experience requirements, you can step into a paid Assistant Coach role.
You’ll take on more leadership — running warm-ups, leading small groups, and demonstrating techniques — while continuing to learn from our senior staff.

Assistant Coaches are trained, mentored, and often help lead entire camp sessions.

Step 3: Lead Coach (By Invitation)

Our most experienced and committed Assistant Coaches may be invited to lead camp groups, mentor new Junior Coaches, and help plan sessions.

This is where future professional coaches are made.

🪜 Leadership Academy Overview

🌞 Sample Day as a Junior Coach

💬 What We’re Looking For

• Ages 13–16 with a love for soccer and a positive attitude

• Reliable, respectful, and eager to learn

• Able to attend all camp days

• Committed to being a positive role model for younger players

💡 Requirements

• Parent/guardian consent

• Camp commitment (all days)

• Attend pre-camp orientation

• Uphold I Got Skills’ values: positivity, effort, and respect

• Follow safety and supervision guidelines (never left alone with campers)

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• How to lead and motivate young players

• Organizing and managing group activities

• Communication and teamwork

• On-field safety and camp operations

• Building confidence and professional habits

📄 How to Apply

1. Click Apply Now and complete our quick online form (5 minutes).

2. Our staff will review and match you to a camp session.

3. Attend a short pre-camp orientation before day one.

🏅 Parent Note

The Leadership Academy is a structured, supervised youth development experience.
It helps teens build life and leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and gain real-world experience in youth coaching.

Many participants go on to become paid Assistant Coaches and even lead their own sessions in future seasons.

“Our daughter started as a Junior Coach at 13 — now she’s a paid Assistant Coach who leads warm-ups and motivates kids like a pro!”
— Parent of Leadership Academy participant

🌺 Ready to Lead the Next Generation?

Whether you’re 13 and just starting your leadership journey, or a high school player ready to step into a coaching role — there’s a place for you in the I Got Skills Leadership Academy.