If you run a gym, chances are many of your coaches are teenagers or young adults. We’re talking about that 15 to 25-year-old age group that brings energy and excitement to your gym. But here’s the challenge: this crew can also be tough to keep around. Between school, social life, and other jobs in retail or cafes, how do you get them to stick with coaching, which can be a bit more demanding?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to keep those young coaches motivated and happy, plus how to attract new ones when you need them.
1. Make It Fun and Supportive
Let’s be real: young coaches want to work somewhere fun! Gym coaching can be hard work, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a grind. Build a positive, supportive environment where your team feels like part of the family. Regular team-building activities, casual check-ins, and a little recognition can go a long way toward making them excited to show up.
Example: "Fun Fridays" with team games, friendly competitions, and some snacks after work. These small incentives help boost morale and make the job feel more enjoyable!
2. Offer Flexible Schedules
Teens and young adults are busy—school, sports, social life... you name it. So flexibility is key. Make scheduling easy for them. Maybe let them trade shifts or adjust their availability without a hassle. If your gym can adapt to their lives, they’re way more likely to stick around.
Tip: Use a simple scheduling app that lets coaches swap shifts or request changes. The less stress they have around scheduling, the more likely they’ll stay.
3. Give Clear, Simple Training
The last thing you want is to overwhelm a new, young coach with complicated lesson plans or long training sessions. Keep it simple! Clear instructions and easy-to-use tools can help young staff hit the ground running without feeling lost.
Example: Using PlanSport Pro’s ready-made lesson plans is a game changer. It’s like giving new coaches a cheat sheet, so they’re not spending weeks figuring it all out. They can jump in right away with confidence!
4. Recognize and Reward Their Effort
Everybody loves a little recognition, and for young staff, it’s especially important. Give shoutouts, small rewards, or even something as simple as a high-five when they’re doing a great job. It boosts their confidence and makes them feel appreciated.
Example: Having a “Coach of the Month” award where the winner gets a gift card and a social media shoutout. That little bit of recognition can make a big difference in how motivated they feel.
5. Show Them There’s Room to Grow
Young coaches want to know there’s potential for more. Create pathways for them to grow, whether it’s leading a class, specializing in a specific program, or even mentoring newer coaches. When they see a future at your gym, they’ll stick around longer.
Example: Try a tiered system where coaches can work their way up, earning more responsibility (and pay!) as they gain experience. It’s like leveling up, which keeps young coaches motivated.
6. Keep the Job Fresh
Coaching can feel repetitive, so shake things up! Allow them to teach different programs like tumbling, ninja, or gymnastics, or let them lead special activities. Keeping the job interesting is key to keeping them engaged.
Tip: Give your younger staff a chance to try different roles every month. Whether it’s leading warm-ups or designing fun circuits / stations, variety can make all the difference.
7. Create a Sense of Belonging
Young coaches are more likely to stay when they feel like they’re part of a team. Hold team meetings, plan outings, and make sure they know they’re an important part of the gym. A strong sense of community helps with retention!
Example: Bi-annual or quarterly outings like bowling or pizza nights. These events aren’t just fun—they help coaches build friendships that make them want to stay at the gym longer.
Finding New Coaches: Attracting the Right Fit
Finding young coaches who will stick around can be tricky, but the key is to make your gym an appealing place to work from the get-go. Here’s how to do it:
1. Tap Into Local Networks
Reach out to local schools, colleges, or sports programs for potential recruits. Many young athletes who no longer compete may still want to stay involved in sports, and coaching is a great way for them to do that. Plus, these candidates will already have a good understanding of gym environments.
Tip: Try attending local job fairs, sponsoring community sports events, or connecting with school athletic programs. Building relationships can help you find eager, qualified candidates.
2. Post your Job Opening, reach a local audience by posting job listings on Facebook, Craigslist, etc. Offering a direct and simple way to attract young, entry-level coaches in your area.
Try this ad: “Get Paid to Play with Kids”. Do you love playing with kids? We have the job for you. [Gym Name] is hiring for our fun and energetic kids’ program which includes class instructors, camp counselors, open gym supervisors and birthday party hosts.
3. Create a Simple, Fast Hiring Process
Young job seekers often don’t want to wait weeks to hear back after applying. Simplify your hiring process with clear job descriptions and quick interview turnarounds. Make it easy for them to apply and get back to them quickly with decisions. This prevents you from losing good candidates to faster-moving opportunities.
Tip: Use an online application form and set up interviews within a few days of receiving applications. Keep the process streamlined and focused to find the right people without delay.
1st Interview should be via telephone and ask five simple questions before moving on to the in-person interview.
1. What made you apply for this job?
2. What is your availability?
3. Are you able to get to work in a timely manner?
4. What is your favorite age group?
5. This is not a question but listen for their enthusiasm for the job, a clear takeaway if they proceed to the next in person stage of the interview process.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real—keeping young coaches engaged can feel like an uphill battle. They’ve got a lot going on, and sometimes, coaching just isn’t their top priority. As a small business owner, that can be incredibly frustrating. You’ve invested time and energy into building your gym, and it’s tough when your staff doesn’t seem to share that same level of commitment. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can turn things around.
Make the job more fun, keep communication easy, and give them small wins to keep them motivated. And remember, tools like PlanSport Pro can make your life easier by simplifying training, cutting down prep time, and getting new hires up to speed quickly. While it may feel like a constant challenge, investing just a little time in your younger staff can lead to a more reliable, motivated team—and that means a smoother-running gym and happier athletes. You've got this!
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