Southern California Leadership & Coaching Program - New Applicants

Who You Are

You might be exactly who we're looking for. This program is for you if you:

• Want to be a leader and positive role model for younger athletes
• Identify as female
• Are at least 15 years old (or a rising sophomore)
• Have played the sport you want to coach at the middle school level or higher

No prior coaching experience required — just a genuine desire to lead and give back.

What You'll Do

The Coach Today, Lead for Life program combines hands-on leadership development with the opportunity to coach a team in your community. Here's what that looks like:

Leadership Program

• Attend a Leadership Academy training before your season begins
• Engage with professional development content delivered throughout the program to keep you growing
• Meet weekly with a dedicated adult mentor for guidance and reflection throughout your season
• Connect and grow alongside a peer cohort of fellow WCA coaches going through the program with you

Coaching Placement

• Coach young athletes alongside a peer co-coach, keeping sport fun while helping kids build real skills
• Prepare, organize, and adapt practices and game plans for athletes of different skill levels
• Communicate with kids, parents, co-coaches, and program staff throughout the season
• Coach 1–2 practices per week plus games — typically weekday practices and weekend games
• Commit to a full coaching season, which is usually 6–10 weeks depending on your league, with the opportunity to return for a second season

What’s Required

Here's what you'll need to participate in the program:

• Be reliable, consistent, and fully present — your players need you at every practice and game
• Have a schedule that allows you to show up consistently — significant conflicts with school, work, sports, or other commitments during the coaching season may affect your eligibility
• Have reliable transportation to and from all practices and games
• Attend the Leadership Academy training before your season begins
• Be at least 15 years old or a rising sophomore
• Have played the sport you want to coach at the middle school level or higher
• Submit a work permit if you are under 18
• Submit a Parental Consent Form if you are under 18
• Complete a background check if you are 18 or older
• Pay a $200 Program Commitment Fee upon acceptance. Scholarships are available so that cost is never a barrier to participating — if you're able to pay, doing so helps us support those who need it most

What You'll Receive

The Coach Today, Lead for Life program offers more than a coaching placement — it's a structured leadership experience with real support along the way:

• Leadership Academy training and sample practice plans to set you up for success
• A dedicated adult mentor with weekly check-ins throughout your season
• A peer cohort of fellow WCA coaches growing alongside you
• Professional development content delivered throughout the program
• A paid coaching position with hourly pay at minimum wage.
• A co-coach to partner with throughout the season