Assistant Director of Coaching / Lead Youth Program Coach
Kicklab, Chicago, IL, United States
Assistant Director of Coaching / Lead Youth Program Coach
Position Type:
Part-time with opportunity for growth
About Kicklab Kicklab is a state-of-the-art indoor soccer training facility in the Lake County suburbs designed to create engaging and effective training experiences for young players. Our training model combines professional coaching with interactive soccer technology to help players develop technical skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Sessions are intentionally small so players receive personalized instruction, meaningful feedback, and plenty of touches on the ball. At its core, Kicklab is not just a training facility—it’s a place where kids build confidence, develop skills, and grow their love of the game.
Our Mission Kicklab helps players build confidence, technical skill, and a lifelong love of soccer through engaging training experiences. We are also deeply committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment for young athletes and expanding access to high-quality programming through school and community partnerships.
Position Overview Kicklab is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and kid-focused
Assistant Director of Coaching / Lead Youth Program Coach
to join our team.
This role combines hands‑on coaching with program development and is ideal for someone who loves working with children and is excited to help build and grow meaningful youth programming.
This is an especially great fit for candidates with a background in
elementary education, youth development, or coaching,
who bring strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for helping kids learn and grow. Soccer experience is valuable, but the ability to connect with and lead young players is just as important.
The ideal candidate enjoys being both on the field with players and contributing behind the scenes to help develop new programming, including school partnerships and youth classes.
This role begins as a part‑time position, with a clear opportunity to grow into expanded leadership responsibilities as Kicklab continues to expand its programming and community partnerships.
Responsibilities Coaching & Player Development
Lead small group soccer training sessions for youth players
Teach and reinforce technical skills including dribbling, passing, shooting, ball mastery, and decision‑making
Provide individualized coaching and feedback tailored to each player
Create a positive environment that builds confidence and fosters love for the game
Direct assistant coaches as needed during sessions
Program Development & School Partnerships
Help develop and expand Kicklab’s youth and school‑based programming
Support and lead enrichment‑style programming in local schools
Contribute to curriculum development and creative session planning
Bring ideas to help grow programming and reach more families in the community
Communicate effectively with players, parents, and staff
Support the overall coaching environment and culture at Kicklab
Maintain a professional, energetic, and positive presence within the facility
Qualifications
Experience working with children (teaching, coaching, camps, or similar)
Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
Positive, energetic, and reliable
Passion for youth development and creating a great experience for kids
Soccer experience or willingness to learn and engage with soccer training concepts
Prior coaching experience is a plus, but not required
Coaching certifications are preferred but not required
Flexible part‑time hours, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends
Opportunities for daytime school‑based programming
Work within an indoor soccer facility equipped with state‑of‑the‑art training technology
Compensation
Competitive hourly compensation, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply Submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your coaching experience and passion for working with youth players to Cathryn Smeyers at cathryn.smeyers@thekicklab.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Part-time with opportunity for growth
About Kicklab Kicklab is a state-of-the-art indoor soccer training facility in the Lake County suburbs designed to create engaging and effective training experiences for young players. Our training model combines professional coaching with interactive soccer technology to help players develop technical skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Sessions are intentionally small so players receive personalized instruction, meaningful feedback, and plenty of touches on the ball. At its core, Kicklab is not just a training facility—it’s a place where kids build confidence, develop skills, and grow their love of the game.
Our Mission Kicklab helps players build confidence, technical skill, and a lifelong love of soccer through engaging training experiences. We are also deeply committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment for young athletes and expanding access to high-quality programming through school and community partnerships.
Position Overview Kicklab is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and kid-focused
Assistant Director of Coaching / Lead Youth Program Coach
to join our team.
This role combines hands‑on coaching with program development and is ideal for someone who loves working with children and is excited to help build and grow meaningful youth programming.
This is an especially great fit for candidates with a background in
elementary education, youth development, or coaching,
who bring strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for helping kids learn and grow. Soccer experience is valuable, but the ability to connect with and lead young players is just as important.
The ideal candidate enjoys being both on the field with players and contributing behind the scenes to help develop new programming, including school partnerships and youth classes.
This role begins as a part‑time position, with a clear opportunity to grow into expanded leadership responsibilities as Kicklab continues to expand its programming and community partnerships.
Responsibilities Coaching & Player Development
Lead small group soccer training sessions for youth players
Teach and reinforce technical skills including dribbling, passing, shooting, ball mastery, and decision‑making
Provide individualized coaching and feedback tailored to each player
Create a positive environment that builds confidence and fosters love for the game
Direct assistant coaches as needed during sessions
Program Development & School Partnerships
Help develop and expand Kicklab’s youth and school‑based programming
Support and lead enrichment‑style programming in local schools
Contribute to curriculum development and creative session planning
Bring ideas to help grow programming and reach more families in the community
Communicate effectively with players, parents, and staff
Support the overall coaching environment and culture at Kicklab
Maintain a professional, energetic, and positive presence within the facility
Qualifications
Experience working with children (teaching, coaching, camps, or similar)
Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
Positive, energetic, and reliable
Passion for youth development and creating a great experience for kids
Soccer experience or willingness to learn and engage with soccer training concepts
Prior coaching experience is a plus, but not required
Coaching certifications are preferred but not required
Flexible part‑time hours, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends
Opportunities for daytime school‑based programming
Work within an indoor soccer facility equipped with state‑of‑the‑art training technology
Compensation
Competitive hourly compensation, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply Submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your coaching experience and passion for working with youth players to Cathryn Smeyers at cathryn.smeyers@thekicklab.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr