What does a British Soccer Camp coach do?
Challenger British Soccer Camps conduct camps in every state of the USA throughout the summer period. Camp locations vary from those that are in close proximity to major cities to those that are in more rural locations. Each camp runs for 5 days Monday through Friday. Camp coaches will work an average of 30 hours per week to consist of three hours of coaching each morning and three hours in the afternoon or evening. Each camp is non-residential and will include boys and girls aged anywhere from 3 years to 18 years old. The ability range ranges from beginners to advanced, both individuals and teams. Coaches are assigned to a coaching group at the start of each week and this is determined by each coach's qualifications and experience. Coaches will be expected to conduct a coaching clinic for local parents and coaches during the week together with an end of camp ceremony where parents, campers and coaches take part in an end of camp celebration.

How long could I do this?
Coaches will be contracted to work for periods of 5 - 12 weeks. Contracts start as early as the first week in June and for consecutive weeks through the middle of July. All contracts will end in August at which time our coaches will have the opportunity to travel if they wish before returning to the UK. The coach will work with a specific club/ymca/parks and recreation dept/high school for each week of the summer. At the end of each week the coach/group of coaches will then travel to their next location. There could be significant travel between camps however this provides staff with a great way to see the USA.

Who can apply?
This programme is open to experienced and motivated individuals over the age of 19 years old who are interested in working with children whilst at the same time developing their coaching skills.

Will I need a visa?
All candidates will be issued a J1 visa. Challenger Sports will be responsible for acquiring the visa. This visa will allow you to work for Challenger Sports for a period of up to 3 months with an additional month for travel if you wish. All staff must fully comply with the US Department of homeland Security requirements and must have a valid passport and working visa prior to departure to the USA. This will require each candidate to submit a police background check and be interviewed by the US Embassy in London or Belfast. You will be responsible for paying the 65 pounds US Embassy visa processing fee. With the present climate the Department of Homeland Security is scrutinizing all applications thoroughly and all relevant paperwork must be completed within set deadlines to the standards required. We have a full time member of staff in the UK who will guide you through the visa application and will provide you with the necessary forms to complete the process in a timely manner.

What about pay, accommodation, transport etc?
Coaches will be paid a weekly salary which will be dependent upon the hours worked. This will range from $170 - $250. Challenger Sports will open a bank account and provide the coach with an ATM card. Every coach pays a programme fee to participate on the 2009 summer camp programme. The Programme Fee is used towards up front cost of securing working visa papers, comprehensive health insurance and to book flights to your assigned region in the USA. The Programme Fee is paid as follows: 
1st year coaches - £100 deposit at the recruitment day, a further £150 when you return your signed contract and the balance to be paid at the training weekend in April. 
Returning coaches - £100 with the programme agreement, £100 with the returned contract and the balance to be paid at the training weekend in April.

Transportation whilst in the USA is provided by Challenger Sports, in the form of rental cars. Each staff member will receive a coaching kit valued at over $400, together with a curriculum which has been developed over the years to implement the varied camp programmes we offer at each location. Challenger Sports also provides a comprehensive medical insurance policy to cover each coach for the duration of their stay.

What is the selection process?
The first thing you will need to do is to complete the online application form which is found on the Challenger Sports website. You will select a recruitment date and location from the list provided on the website and we will then contact you by mail/email to give you information on the day's events and prepare you for your assessment. All first time applicants to the Challenger Sports programme must attend a Recruitment day. 

All candidates who attend a recruitment day before December 31st will receive $100 cash back in their first week's wages.

Selection dates and locations

All sucessful staff will receive an additional weekend of training and orientation from Challenger's Full time US staff in April. More Information