Home Field Advantage Youth Coaching InternshipAt — Home Field Advantage

ABOUT

Home Field Advantage, established in 2016 in Downey, CA, is a 501(c)(3) sports leadership nonprofit dedicated to creating healthier, more connected communities by mentoring local leaders to coach in their neighborhoods at underused facilities, ultimately fostering an inclusive, sustainable sports structure.

HFA is committed to the development and welfare of every participant by collaborating with leading sports organizations, educational institutions, and aligning programs to ensure everyone involved has the best possible experience.

ROLE OF THE STUDENT INTERN

As a Student Intern, your primary responsibility is to assist in leading and managing after-school sports for youth. You will be a role model, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment while guiding participants through activities. Additionally, you will help to design and lead sports programming that aligns with the goals of empowering the community,
encouraging teamwork and enhancing leadership skills. Services will be provided to K-8th grade students at various Downey Unified School District (DUSD), Whittier City School District (WCSD), El Monte City School District (EMCSD) elementary and middle school sites for the 2026–2027 school year. Coaches will also participate in school games and coaching education days throughout the school year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading and assisting during sports practices.
• Supervising and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
• Encouraging teamwork, discipline, and good sportsmanship among participants.
• Acting as a positive role model and mentor for youth in the program.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

• Coach Weekly at Assigned School Site
  • Help lead practices at an assigned elementary or middle school (Flexible for student-athletes: will need to be communicated with HFA staff in advance)

• Monthly Meetings
  • Regular attendance at monthly Student Coach Meetings. Meetings provide important updates, team evaluations, leadership training, and a space to connect with fellow coaches.

• Participate in Events
  • Choose from our schedule of HFA tournaments, game days, clinics, or fundraisers (schedule to be shared during program)

• Track Your Progress & Complete Monthly Check-Ins
  • Log service hours and complete short monthly evaluations

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• background check clearance
• TB test clearance from doctor

Within the first 30 days of internship, the following certificates must be obtained through HFA:

• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Mandated Reporter Training (General & School Personnel)
• Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (Nonsupervisory)

Training:

Students will be required to attend an orientation detailing position requirements along with monthly leadership meetings which include brief evaluations, leadership trainings, and group check-ins.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to effectively communicate with large groups of children/adolescents, have strong leadership skills, and will have a firm understanding of how to structure a sports lesson plan.