Soccer Specialist

Step onto the field this summer to inspire, coach, and elevate young athletes across our 35-acre camp community. As the Soccer Specialist, you will lead energetic skill sessions, small-sided scrimmages, and inclusive drills tailored for campers ages 3 through 15. You will collaborate daily with group counselors and athletic leadership to cultivate teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence for players of all abilities. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to sharpen your real-world coaching, communication, and group management skills while making a genuine impact on kids every day. Trade the routine summer job for an unforgettable outdoor leadership experience where you will build lifelong connections and help campers discover their athletic potential.

- Plan and deliver engaging soccer sessions, lead-up games, and drills for campers ranging from Pre-K through 10th grade on age appropriate fields and with age appropriate equipment.- Teach fundamental soccer mechanics—including dribbling, passing, shooting, and spatial awareness—in a positive, high-energy environment.- Facilitate mini-games and optional league play for older campers that emphasize sportsmanship, participation, and teamwork over winning.- Adapt drills and playing field sizes to match varying age divisions and developmental stages, from Little Willows mini-fields to full-sized senior fields.- Partner with group counselors at the soccer complex to ensure active engagement, positive group dynamics, and individualized encouragement for every camper.- Maintain and organize soccer equipment, including balls, cones, pinnies, and goals, ensuring a safe and clean athletic area each day.- Coordinate with the Athletic Director and camp leadership to integrate camp-wide spirit events and special sports activities into daily programming.

- Prior experience playing soccer at the high school, club, or collegiate level, or recreational coaching experience with youth.- Experience working with children in youth sports, camp environments, school programs, or community recreation settings.- Familiarity with designing interactive games, drills, and scrimmages that engage beginners and intermediate players alike.- Demonstrated ability to motivate groups, model positive sportsmanship, and create an inclusive athletic space.

- Passion for soccer, youth development, and mentoring young athletes of diverse skill levels.- Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to explain fundamental sports concepts clearly and enthusiastically.- Warm, patient, and proactive approach to managing group energy and encouraging hesitant participants.- Ability to collaborate effectively with fellow specialists, group counselors, and athletic directors.- Dedication to maintaining camper physical safety and hydration in outdoor athletic settings.

- High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or a degree in Physical Education, Sports Management, Education, Recreation, or a related field is preferred.- Current college students, recent graduates, and educators with youth sports background are strongly encouraged to apply.

- Ability to actively demonstrate soccer skills, including running, passing, kicking, and agility drills, across outdoor grass fields.- Stamina to work outdoors in summer weather conditions throughout the camp day.- Ability to stand, walk, jog, bend, and move continuously during activity periods.

- Gain valuable, hands-on leadership, youth coaching, and program management experience that stands out on any professional resume.- Work in a collaborative, supportive, and energetic team environment on a picturesque 35-acre campus.- Daily complimentary hot and cold lunch provided.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- Enjoy consistent Monday through Friday camp hours with evenings and weekends completely free.- Join a tight-knit, welcoming staff family with deep traditions and lasting professional networks.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp situated on 35 shaded acres along the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. For over forty years, Willow Lake has provided transformative summer experiences for campers ages 3 through 15 across sports, arts, adventure, waterfront, and heated pool facilities. Our mission centers on our Dream Big philosophy, fostering character development, personal growth, and lifelong memories in a safe, spirited environment.

The Willow Lake Day Camp campus features 35 picturesque, shaded acres equipped with manicured athletic fields, four heated swimming pools, private lakefront access, and extensive indoor activity spaces. Located in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, the modern yet rustic grounds offer an inspiring outdoor setting designed specifically for age-appropriate youth recreation and skill development.