Young Athletes program is designed for children ages 2 through 7 with and without intellectual disabilities and to introduce them to Special Olympics New Jersey. Young Athletes coaches lead weekly guided play sessions for young athletes and oversee general volunteers that assist with the program. 

Young Athletes Coaches minimum age: 18 years old

Young Athletes Coach Requirements

  • Volunteer forms and waivers: must be completed every three years. 
  • Background check: must be completed every three years. 
  • Protective Behaviors training: must be completed every three years. 
  • Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports training: must be completed every three years. 
  • Young Athletes Coach training: must be completed every three years.
New Young Athletes Coaches

Find a local training program: Volunteers should only register as a Young Athletes coach below once they have been placed with a program. New Young Athletes coaches that have not been placed with a program should email volunteer@sonj.org. All new Young Athletes coaches that have been placed with a program can register as a Young Athletes coach.

Register as a   Young Athletes coach:

Existing Young Athletes Coaches

All existing Young Athletes coaches can check the status of their current certifications by emailing volunteer@sonj.org.

Recertify as a Young Athletes coach:

 

Young Athletes General Volunteers minimum age: 14 years old

Young Athletes General Volunteer Requirements

  • Volunteer forms and waivers: must be completed every three years. 
  • Background check: must be completed every three years (volunteers 18 and over only). 
  • Protective Behaviors training: must be completed every three years.
New Young Athletes Volunteers

Find a local training program: Volunteers should only register as a Young Athletes volunteer below once they have been placed with a program. New Young Athletes volunteer that have not been placed with a program should email volunteer@sonj.org. All new Young Athletes volunteer that have been placed with a program can register as a Young Athletes volunteer.

Register as a Young Athletes volunteer:

Existing Young Athletes Volunteers

All existing Young Athletes volunteers can check the status of their current certifications by emailing volunteer@sonj.org.

Recertify as a Young Athletes volunteer: