Instructor CY Programs Sports

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The Instructor Children and Youth Sports teaches and examines using YMCA curriculum and resources. Instructors develop short and long term lesson plans that identify the unique needs of the participants. Instructors maintain a safe environment at all times.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver course content and examine participants following established YMCA criteria.


• Develop and implement sequential weekly lesson plans.


• Recognize participant learning styles and deliver content accordingly.


• Coach and develop participants to meet success.


• Communicate (verbal and written) child's progress to parents and Supervisor.


• Maintain accurate, up-to-date weekly progress sheets and records for participants.


• Take attendance, ensure participants are signed into and out of the program.


• Set up and take down recreational, program and other equipment as required, check that equipment is safe and in good repair (reporting immediately all malfunctions and remove damaged equipment immediately from circulation).


• Participate actively in scheduled programs, meetings, and special events.


• Assist and encourage program members to access additional appropriate programs offered at this location, in collaboration with individual program members, program volunteers, and YMCA program staff.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

You bring:

• Diploma or degree in field related to working with children or youth or equivalent experience


• Current certifications in the following Lifesaving Society awards: Standard First Aid & CPR level C is an asset


• Current NCCP Basketball Coaching certification (Learn to Train level)


• Minimum 1-year previous experience Instructing Children and Teens in Basketball 


• Good theoretical and practical knowledge of various stages of child and youth development through previous related experience and continuing professional development


• Ability to encourage and motivate members and volunteers and acknowledge and appreciate achievements and contributions


• Evidence continuing professional development in working with children and youth


• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Flexibility regarding assigned work schedules, including weekday afternoons, evenings and weekends


• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.