(Many Backgrounds, One Team: Volunteer as a Coach or Mentor at First Tee – Silicon Valley Published 10/8/26) At First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV), we believe in the power of people who care. Our mission goes beyond golf; it’s about teaching kids and teens life lessons that build positive self-identity, respect and resiliency.
This month, as we talk about one of our program’s lessons, Appreciating Diversity, we’re inviting you to be part of something bigger: a volunteer team as varied as the Silicon Valley community we serve. Whether you’ve played golf for decades or have never picked up a club, your experiences, your story, and your perspective are exactly what our young participants need. It takes all kinds to make a difference and representation matters!
Appreciating Diversity: Every Background Belongs
The young people in our programs come from many cultures, neighborhoods, languages, and walks of life. When they look to their coach or mentor, we want them to see someone who understands them — and to see that leadership, on and off the course, can come from anyone.
In our classes we stress three important tips for appreciating diversity
- Invite and learn from different perspectives
- See differences as a value and seek out differences
- Work together as a team to make things better
We want our coaches to embody those three tips and set the example.
Diversity makes our programs stronger. Volunteers with different life experiences, careers, and perspectives help us connect with more kids. You don’t need to be a golf expert or have lots of coaching experience. We provide the training and support, and you bring yourself: your curiosity, your encouragement, and your unique story. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’d “fit in,” the answer is yes. We are building a team where everyone has a place.
Why Volunteers Matter
FTSV’s success depends on the enthusiasm and commitment of our community. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers who are eager to make a real difference in the lives of youth. Our mentors and coaches bring our curriculum to life — helping kids learn essential life skills through engaging, hands-on activities that make learning fun.
To ensure each participant gets the attention and support they deserve, we maintain a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. That means every volunteer plays a critical role in making our programs meaningful and effective — and the more volunteers we have, the more young people we can welcome. While you’re helping participants build character and confidence, you’ll also develop new leadership, communication, and coaching skills, all while becoming part of a community with a shared purpose.
Get Involved
Thank you for considering how you can support First Tee – Silicon Valley.
The first step is to visit Our Volunteer Page to learn more and apply today as a coach or mentor. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive, more inspired generation — one young person at a time.