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.

Young Athletes General Volunteers minimum age: 14 years old

Volunteers should only register as a Young Athletes volunteer below once they have been placed with a program. New Young Athletes volunteers who have not been placed with a program should email volunteer@sonj.org. All new Young Athletes volunteers who have been placed with a program can register as a Young Athletes volunteer.

Young Athletes General Volunteer Requirements

  • Volunteer forms and waivers: must be completed every three years. 

Register as a Young Athletes volunteer: