Become a Game Changing Coach
Becoming a Coach is more important now than ever before. Kids and teens are facing challenges unseen by previous generations. Our chapter is looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to serve as positive mentors and role models to kids and teens in the program. These individuals should have a desire to help kids discover what’s inside of them, guide them to strengthen it and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do.
Volunteer Assistant Coach
Support Lead Coaches in First Tee classes by engaging with participants, helping reinforce skills and instructions, and mentoring youth ages 7–18. No prior golf experience required!
Volunteer Admin Support
Assist Program Staff during your child’s class by overseeing the Sign-In Table and acting as a floater, helping parents and participants wherever needed.
Volunteer Lead Coach
Lead Coaches guide and inspire youth in First Tee classes, teaching golf skills and life skills while fostering a positive, supportive environment. This role is ideal for experienced Assistant Coaches who want to make a greater impact. Individuals interested in leading classes and attending additional network training should consider this pathway.
Coach Training Pathway
All level Assistant and Lead Coaches are trained to deliver First Tee golf and life skills curriculum. This training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. Admin support staff also receive training, but only through a one-time session. Click below to view the Coaches pathway – Level 1 and above are designed for Lead Coaches.
Coach Philosophy and Building Blocks
We at First Tee understand that when young people are:
- Exposed to the inherent values of the game of golf
- Surrounded by caring community
- Taught life skills through movement, the probability increases that they will acquire and demonstrate First Tee’s 5 Key Commitments
First Tee’s Coach philosophy is implemented through 4 Building Blocks. Coaches are introduced to them progressively across training. As coaches increase awareness and effective use of the strategies and behaviors, they create optimal learning environments for positive youth development. Click below to view our Coach Philosophy and Building Blocks.
Volunteer FAQs
What is the typical time commitment?
Our sessions run for 8-weeks at a time in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Participants age 8 & up attend an hour and a half class, once a week for 8-weeks! Participants age 7 attend an hour long class, once a week for 5-weeks. Class times may vary depending on the day of the week, location, age group and session season.
In order to make the most out of your volunteer experience, we strongly encourage you to attend all the classes in a session. But if you are unable to, you can still volunteer with us! We will work with your schedule to accommodate your availability.
Click here to view our current programming schedule.
Where can I volunteer?
Click here to view our Program Locations.
What are the Youth Safety & Requirements?
First Tee — Greater Houston is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants and adults engaged in our organization. First Tee fully complies with all elements of the Safe Sport Authorization Act, which was enacted to curtail and prevent abuse found at various youth sports organizations by elevating the standard of care by which sports organizations must act.
As part of our onboarding process, all adults are required to complete an online Background Check and Training with the US Center for SafeSport.
Click here to view the Youth Safety Policy.