First Tee — Silicon Valley is looking for high quality caring people that are interested in making a positive impact on youth. Volunteer coaches make the core lessons come to life by finding and using coachable moments. They also work together to make the classes fun and engaging and build a space where mentoring relationships can be formed and grow.
Learn new skills.
Our experience as coaches is that we are constantly learning, learning strategies for class management, class flow, lesson delivery, and how to connect. In our in-person volunteer training we review our coaching strategies, our golf cues, and our best practices. Also, at our in-person trainings we usually hear the phrase, “Wow, this skill really helps my game!” We have supplemental online coach resources available for coach development. However, where we learn the most is through experience and working together with a team of caring coaches. We strive to provide a supportive space where one can learn with others that share a similar passion for helping others.
Coaching makes a big difference.
When we ask and survey our advanced participants about their experience in First Tee, they overwhelmingly credit their coaches for improving their communication skills, and their ability to overcome challenges. Additionally, they say they are appreciative of the relationships they formed and the confidence they gained from having their coach believe in them. In a national study across the First Tee network, 87% of First Tee alumni said their relationships with their coaches were meaningful and grew stronger over time. These relationships were based on empathy, high positive expectations, and advocacy (e.g., open doors and eyes to new experiences). According to our participant surveys over the last year, on average:
- 86% said their life skills have improved.
- 95% said their golf skills have improved.
- 97% said their coaches made the classes fun
- 93% said they felt part of the group.
