Volunteer

Coaching

Near West Recreation is always looking for volunteer coaches to lead it's youth leagues.  Volunteer coaches are required to pass background check (paid by Near West Recreation) and attend coach pre-season coach meeting.   We are looking for committed adults who enjoy working with kids, being a mentor, and has general knowledge of sport they intend to coach.  You DO NOT have to have coaching experience. You DO NOT have to have experience playing sports in high school or college.

Near West Recreation will help coaches with training and practice plans if needed.  Near West Recreation also provides coaches with equipment bag and team shirts/uniforms.  No team fundraising!

Coaches should be dependable, organized, and adaptable. Our league has three main focus areas. We want coaches that are focused on these three things over winning. Too many kids drop out of sports because they didn't have fun or they had a bad experience with their coach or teammates.

Three Near West Recreation Focus Areas
1) Kids have fun!
2) Kids are safe!
3) Kids are learning the game and improving their skills.

You can sign up to receive information about coaching opportunities here.  We will reach out to you when we are recruiting coaches for each season.

Sports we offer:

  • Basketball (January - March)
  • Lacrosse (March - May)
  • Baseball & Softball (May - July)
  • Track/Running (May - July)
  • Soccer (August - October)
  • Volleyball (October - December)

Most of our league teams practice and play games weeknight evenings (5:30 - 8:30 pm) and on Saturdays (9:00 am - 3:00 pm). Commitment level is about 3-5 hours each week during season.

Event Volunteer

Near West Recreation occasionally holds small events, clinics, cookouts, end of season sports parties for it's league youth.  Volunteers are always needed. Most of these events run for one-three hours typically during the weeknight evenings or on Saturdays.   Volunteer duties could include but are not limited to serving food, leading/assisting games (basketball knockout, baseball toss, etc.), supervising bounce house, and set-up/clean-up.

If you would like to be contacted about small event volunteer opportunities please fill out the form here.  We will contact you when we are looking for volunteers.

Parent Advisory Committee

We are currently recruiting for a new Near West Recreation Parent Advisory Committee.  Parent Advisory Committee will be responsible for giving Near West Recreation staff program feedback, help with marketing of the league (youth registration and volunteer coach recruitment), and will be responsible for organizing an annual fundraiser.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Parent Advisory Committee, please fill out form here.  Near West Recreation staff member will reach out to you with more information.