McMaster University Summer Strength & Conditioning Volunteer Coach:
This volunteer opportunity is an 18-week hands on experience in the field of Strength & Conditioning in a University athletic setting. This opportunity is designed for educational purposes and the position will not be expected to lead sessions or replace any work done by the employees at this institution.
The purpose of the Summer S&C volunteer program is to educate participants in all aspects of sports performance coaching. Volunteers will observe the training of varsity, professional and national level athletes from a wide range of sports in small groups or in a one on one setting, as well as. The opportunity of observing LTAD based strength & conditioning camps for youth athletes also exists. The desired outcome of the program is to provide participants with the opportunity to be instructed and mentored by McMaster's Lead Performance coaches to better prepare them with the tools necessary for employment in this increasingly competitive field.
learning opportunities include:
- Weekly educational seminars and tutorials administered by coaches, professors, and professionals in the field.
- Completing assigned projects based on weekly educational topics.
- Work as camp staff for The Performance Academy by Competitive Edge -Youth LTAD Development Camp
- Observing camp staff for the Marauder Sport Camps – Sport specific development
- Observe team, group or individual training sessions, including but not limited to:
- Athlete preparation/warm-up and recovery sessions
- Athlete return to play protocols
- Movement and physiological assessments
- Movement and plyometric training sessions
- Strength, power, and energy system development sessions
- Learn how to use and gain competence with typical assessment tools including: BodPod, Force Plates, Timing Lights, Tendo Units, OptoJump etc…
- Observing advancing McMaster Performance training systems
Qualifications and skills required:
- Graduate of a University/College program in Kinesiology/Fitness Program.
- Strong interest and passion for Strength & Conditioning.
- Minimum 1-2 yrs experience in training & conditioning athletes.
- Highly motivated leader with strong coaching skills.
- Availability for opportunities may need flexible hours including weekends
- Ability to cope with a fast-paced athletic environment.
- First Aid CPR & AED.
- Criminal record check.
What truly sets our program apart is where our previous volunteers are now. We have former volunteers pursuing Masters and PhDs in Strength & Conditioning, employed with various national teams, Canadian Sport Centre’s and pursuing opportunities with professional teams, private sector facilities and NCAA Universities.
This 4-month opportunity begins on May 1st, 2019 and finishes on Aug 30th, 2019. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email:
- Cover letter outlining your career goals and why this internship will help you achieve those goals.
- Up to date resume
To Ben Bahrami (please find email on marauders.ca under staff contacts)
By March 30th, 2019
Please note you will be responsible for providing your own housing, transportation, and food. Please note this involvement is not intended to transition into employment, it is purely for educational purposes.
We will be responding by April 12th, 2019 to let you know of the steps moving forward.
Good Luck!
Ben Bahrami CSCS, Mkin, BSc
Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
McMaster University
Please read the testimonials from some of our past volunteers:
I had nothing but incredibly positive experiences during my summer involvement at McMaster. The aspect that makes the McMaster opportunity unique is the incredible knowledge, experience, and willingness from the strength and conditioning Coaches. The McMaster opportunity provided not only the foundational strength and conditioning material taught within the curriculum, but presented constant opportunities to apply that knowledge in an elite training environment. As a volunteer, I was had an opportunity to learn about fitness assessments, FMS/SFMA movement screens, reconditioning programs, and training for varsity athletes of various sports as well as youth, National, and professional athletes through McMaster Performance Services. The amount I learned and coaching experience I gained over the 4 months was paramount in providing me with the tools I needed to work in a high performance training atmosphere in the future.
-Vicki Bendus, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Brock University
As a Kinesiology grad, strength and conditioning coach and more recently a CMCC grad (2015), I was looking for experience in the S&C setting before starting my career as a manual therapist and coach. The summer volunteer opportunity at Mac provided a valuable learning opportunity for me to follow a passion as a strength and conditioning coach.
Working in an integrative approach I was able to experience high-level athletes coming off of various injuries needing intensive reconditioning to get them back to their sport. Learning under the great team at McMaster I was able to further understand the injury process, high level athletic development and the university sports setting to complement my future therapist and coaching roles.This opportunity has great potential to advance professionally, and Mac S&C has amazing resources to help you along the way. Overall, a very positive and encouraging experience I would highly recommend.
- Dr. Eric Nelson BA (Hons. Kin), DC, D. Acu, CSCS, SFMA
As a volunteer working at the David Braley Athletic Centre, I was given the opportunity to work with experienced coaches' varsity & Olympic athletes. This opportunity taught me the fundamental principles in improving athletic performance, understanding injury mechanisms and how to use technology to test athletic abilities. I worked directly with experienced coaches who provided me with feedback as I coached athletes in the High Performance Area. Weekly education series and training with the strength coaches not only helped me be a better coach but allowed me to improve my ability to strength train as well. This opportunity has given me the foundation I need to be a well-rounded health care professional.
-Ricky Singh, Chiropractor, PEAKS
Being a part of the McMaster Strength and Conditioning environment was an absolutely amazing experience. Being surrounded by highly talented and knowledgeable coaches was an excellent way to see what it takes to be successful in the profession. The blend of classroom and hands on teaching provided an optimal environment for learning ways to teach, program, test and interact with athletes, youth, and teams. Along with education, this opportunity provides you with a wealth of experience, getting to experience training with youth, collegiate, professional, and Olympic level teams and athletes. These experiences helped to set up a solid foundation of knowledge, along with providing insight on ways to improve and use my own coaching style. This opportunity is an excellent way to take the next step as a coach or health care professional.
- Andre Carere, Director of Movement, PEAKS Lifestyle
