Start a Team

Start a Team

Ready to inspire the next generation to be joyful, healthy and confident? Explore this page to learn how you can start a team at a nearby school or community facility.

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Checklist

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  • Starting a team refers to offering the program to a group of 8-15 kids at a school, community center, place of worship or park near you. This team will be part of Girls on the Run Georgia.
  • Gain support from location administrators, such as a school principal or director of the community center.
  • Designate a site liaison to serve as the program location contact (see the responsibilities of a site liaison below).
  • Review the Site Information Packet, which has information about our program and what it takes to start a team at your desired location.
  • Complete a Start a Team Application.
  • Recruit three to five volunteer coaches, who must fill out the coach/site liaison application and attend required GOTR coach training. (You may request assistance from Girls on the Run in recruiting coaches, but we cannot guarantee placement.)
  • The location must provide a safe, dedicated outdoor and indoor space, where the program can be facilitated to the team at the dates/times determined for the season.
  • Identify a consistent practice schedule (same days/times each week) based on the program offered at your location. Practices are twice a week for 90 minutes.
  • Recruit 8-15 participants per team.
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Two Girls on the Run participants in yellow shirts run while holding hands and smiling

Site Liaison Responsibilities

  • Serves as the main point of contact for the site.
  • Recruits three to five volunteer coaches for each team*.
  • Communicates with Girls on the Run staff throughout the season and keep up
    to date on emails to ensure that your team and coaches are informed.
  • Aids in team member recruitment efforts by distributing marketing materials (provided by Girls on the Run) and spreading the word about Girls on the Run throughout the site community and via email using provided digital templates. This helps ensure there is a full team for each season at this location.
  • Ensures at least one coach at every practice is CPR/First Aid certified.
  • Ensures all coaches and the site liaison have a current background check through Girls on the Run. Background checks last two years.
  • Hosts a pre-season planning meeting for all coaches to set the tone for a supportive coaching team.
  • Offers support to families who need assistance with registration.
  • Assists with distributing gear to participants who qualify. (Participants who qualify for free or reduced lunch may request gear such as running shoes, sports bra and sports hijabs from Girls on the Run.)
  • Ensures that teams complete pre- and post-evaluations if applicable. (Girls on the Run works hard to receive grant funding in order to provide accessible programming to all. Some grants require evaluations be completed.)

*You may request assistance from Girls on the Run in recruiting coaches, but we cannot guarantee placement.

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Whether you are new to Girls on the Run or a long-time supporter who is ready to advance our mission and vision, we value your interest in learning more about how to start a team.

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