Clipped In for Life, a non-profit organization of passionate people dedicated to the love of cycling, is seeking coaches for their Grip Academy Program. The Grip Academy is an after-school youth cycling program utilizing the martial arts style of teaching to break down complex movements into deliberate progression. This initiative aims to enhance bike handling skills across diverse proficiency levels while also incorporating essential elements such as traffic safety, bike maintenance and technology, first-aid, stewardship, and fitness. These engaging activities are designed to be inclusive, transcending age, gender, and economic backgrounds. Grip Academy pushes beyond basic bike handling skills to engage kids in a lifelong activity that boosts physical and mental health, reinforces valuable life skills, and builds community.
The primary role of coaches will be implementation of the CIFL Grip Academy curriculum, with the opportunity to coach future camps and programs focused on the needs of youth no matter their riding skill level. The candidate should have a love of cycling and the desire to have a meaningful and lasting impact upon the youth in our area. Grip Academy coaches enable youth to grow confidence, independence, friendships, and physical fitness through teaching fundamental bike skills. By providing positive mentorship and a safe and welcoming environment, coaches have a positive lifelong impact on the youth they serve.
This is currently a part-time seasonal position, with non-traditional hours that revolve around the needs and availability of the youth we aim to serve. The Grip Academy programs will run Monday through Thursday afternoons during the spring and fall school year seasons. This position has the opportunity to extend to summer and winter camps. Grip Academy Coaches report directly to Clipped In for Life’s Youth Programs Director. An ideal candidate would come with experience leading youth programs.
Clipped In for Life is committed to designing youth programs that take place at school, after school, and on break. Our programs demonstrate that riding a bike can be a lifelong adventure full of excitement, freedom, perspective, purpose, friendships and belonging. The Grip Academy coach is instrumental in the execution of this concept, should understand the potential to influence the culture and health of our community, and have a passion for sharing the benefits of an active lifestyle.
If This Describes You… Let’s Chat!
- You’re energized around 3-12 year old kids and enjoy helping them develop.
- You love riding your mountain bike, and it would be amazing to combine that passion with your other experiences and interests.
- You enjoy encouraging kids, empowering volunteers, and turning ideas into reality.
What You’ll Do
- The primary role will be implementation of the CIFL Grip Academy curriculum under the supervision of the head coach.
- Be responsible for set-up and take down of stations when needed.
- Review and implement CIFL GA lesson plan for the day.
- Supervise children at all times during instructional hours.
- Ensure participants are properly equipped for the session.
- Ensure the safety of all participants & volunteers when present.
- Provide constructive feedback and encouragement for all participants.
- Talk to parents when necessary, accepting program feedback, and providing constructive feedback for their child.
- Have the potential to take a lead role in Summer Camps, Winter & School break camps, and GA group rides
- Big picture planning with the entire team – bring your ideas!
Grip Academy Coach – What You’ll Need
- A passion for youth development.
- Experience in leading youth after school or summer camp programs preferred.
- Strong leadership skills with an energetic, engaging communication style that can successfully lead large groups.
- At least a strong basic competency and comfort level with mountain biking.
- Work availability in the afternoon/evenings Monday thru Thursday and some Fridays.
- Strong multitasking skills.
- Basic competency in repairing and maintaining bikes.
- Willing to jump in wherever needed to help make a difference.
A successful candidate in this role is someone proactive, has excellent communication skills with a passion for encouraging youth to have active lifestyles in our community.
Grip Academy Coach – What You Might Have (desired, not required)
- Experience in child development, specifically youth sports & coaching.
- Coaching Certification
- Current First Aid
- A high-level skillset in mountain biking, with significant race experience.
- Advanced competency repairing and maintaining bikes.
Important Details & Dates:
- Compensation: $18 per hour
- Target start: late February 2025 for training; Grip Academy launches March 10, 2025
- Seasonal part-time position, up to 16-20 hours per week during Grip Academy program sessions (March-May & Sept-Nov) with potential for summer and winter scheduling based on program development.
- Primary workdays are during the week, with occasional weekends based on youth event programming.
How to Apply:
- Required for all applicants: Click here to fill out our Grip Academy Coaches Application.
- Optional in addition to application: Email your resume to our Youth Programs Director, Doreen Wagner, at dwagner@clippedinforlife.org.
Deadline to apply: Monday, February 3rd, 2025