Student Coach Program
A Coaching Leadership Program for High School Students
The HFA Student Coach Program gives high school students the opportunity to lead, learn, and make an impact through sports. Students gain hands-on coaching experience in their own communities, learn from mentor coaches and sports professionals, develop leadership and professional skills, and connect with a community of young leaders who are helping shape the future of sport in their neighborhoods.
What it Means to be a Student Coach
LEAD
Take on a real coaching role and grow as a leader.
LEARN
Learn through coaching, training, and mentorship.
IMPACT
Help create more opportunities for young people to play in your community.
What You’ll Do
Coach a Local Youth Team
Work with younger athletes through HFA's school-based programs, clinics, and game days.
Train & Develop
Participate in coaching education and trainings through HFA and organizations such as U.S. Soccer, USA Basketball, and the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA).
Learn From a Mentor Coach
Work alongside experienced coaches who provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout your coaching experience.
Explore the Sports World
Gain exposure to professional sports organizations and opportunities across sport, education, entertainment, and related industries.
Be Part of the HFA Community
Meet other Student Coaches and take part in leadership events, team outings, and experiences beyond the field.
Become a Student Coach
Volunteer Pathway
The Student Coach Volunteer Pathway is HFA's primary opportunity for high school students to get involved. As a Volunteer Student Coach, you'll support HFA youth programs, work under the guidance of Mentor Coaches, and gain experience coaching younger athletes in your own community.
Applications are accepted year-round.
Coaching opportunities are filled based on program needs, school partnerships, and seasonal enrollment. If a position isn't immediately available, qualified applicants may be contacted as new opportunities arise.
Micro-Internship Pathway
The HFA Student Coach Micro-Internship is a selective and structured opportunity for a select group of Student Coaches who are ready to take on additional responsibility. Micro-Interns build on their coaching experience through additional training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Micro-interns who successfully complete the program also receive a stipend.
Eligibility:
A select group of students from Downey, El Monte, and Whittier will be invited to participate.
Application Deadline:
September 30, 2026
Hear from our Student Coaches
“A professional skill I learned was time management… and my experience in basketball has contributed to my future career goals by giving me access to a job-like experience.”
-Coach Samiya
“Some skills that I have gained through my role as a student coach are definitely leadership skills. I am still developing them, but I feel like going every Tuesday to soccer and helping the coach makes me develop them even more.”
-Coach Sabrina
I believe I’ve had a positive impact on the younger participants by creating a comfortable environment where they can feel at ease and relaxed around the people they are with. I made a positive difference with someone in the program when Melanie told me she starts to feel more confident in herself when I give her words of encouragement.”
-Coach Paola
“I have noticed I started becoming more energetic in classes lately, and I have been engaging in speaking more when the teacher asks questions because I felt more confident in talking with students and coaches.”
-Coach William