Sports & Recreation Intern

FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA

Job Title: Sports Management Internship & Practicum
DOL Status: Part Time 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date Prepared: 08/14/2026
Reports to: Sports Director
Department: Sports
Pay Rate: $10.00      
Expected Weekly Hours: 10-15 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Foothills Area YMCA is committed to providing college students with meaningful, hands-on experience in the sports and recreation field. We welcome Clemson University PRTM students and other students pursuing careers in sport management, recreation, coaching, facility management, and related fields.

As an intern with the Foothills Area YMCA, you will have the opportunity to work alongside YMCA sports leadership and gain practical experience in the planning, organization, and day-to-day operation of youth sports programs and athletic facilities. This internship is designed to provide real-world learning opportunities, professional development, and exposure to the many aspects of creating high-quality recreational experiences for children, families, and the community.

ABOUT US & OUR CULTURE 

At the Foothills Area YMCA, our mission and core values are brought to life through a culture focused on strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality. Our core values welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined guide how we serve our members, support one another, and create meaningful experiences for everyone who walks through our doors. We strive to create an environment where interns, staff, members, and participants feel valued, connected, and encouraged to grow. An internship with the Foothills Area YMCA is more than an opportunity to gain experience; it is a chance to develop professionally, build meaningful relationships, contribute to the community, and see firsthand the positive impact sports and recreation can have on others.

AREAS OF HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Youth Sports & Coaching

• Assist with coaching youth sports programs
• Support coaches during practices and games
• Help with player development and age-appropriate activities
• Assist with coach communication and organization
• Gain experience working directly with youth participants and families

Sports Program Management

• Assist with planning and operating youth sports leagues
• Help with team formation and roster management
• Assist with scheduling practices and games
• Support player registration and program communication
• Help evaluate and improve sports programs

• Assist with developing new sports programs and offerings

Game & Event Operations

• Assist with practice and game-day setup and breakdown
• Prepare fields, courts, equipment, and program areas
• Assist with game-day operations and logistics
• Help coordinate tournaments, special events, and sports activities
• Support coaches, officials, participants, and families during events

Facility & Gymnasium Operations

• Assist with the daily operation of the YMCA gymnasium
• Monitor gym floor activity and equipment use
• Assist with facility setup, organization, and maintenance
• Help maintain safe, clean, and organized athletic spaces
• Gain experience with facility scheduling and usage
• Assist with the implementation and operation of new athletic facilities

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Organize and maintain sports equipment
• Assist with equipment inventory and tracking
• Prepare equipment for practices, games, and events
• Help identify equipment needs and assist with purchasing
• Develop systems for efficient equipment storage and organization

Sports Administration & Leadership

• Shadow the Sports Director and Sports Coordinator
• Gain exposure to budgeting and purchasing
• Assist with administrative and operational tasks
• Participate in staff and planning meetings when appropriate
• Gain experience communicating with parents, coaches, officials, and community partners

Program Development, Marketing & Outreach

• Assist with developing new sports and recreation programs
• Help promote YMCA sports programs and registration opportunities
• Assist with email communication and promotional materials
• Research trends and opportunities in youth and community sports
• Help develop ideas to increase participation and improve the participant experience

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT

Students may have opportunities to:

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in a professional YMCA environment
• Work alongside YMCA sports leadership and other team members
• Gain exposure to different areas of sports, recreation, programs, events, and facility operations
• Develop professional communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Build experience interacting with youth, coaches, families, members, and community partners
• Assist with the planning and implementation of programs, activities, leagues, and special events
• Learn about the day-to-day operations and responsibilities involved in serving a diverse community
• Take on projects or responsibilities that support academic internship or practicum requirements when possible

EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS WHO DIRECTLY SUPERVISE YOUTH WILL: 

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS WHO DO NOT DIRECTLY SUPERVISE YOUTH WILL:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
  • Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and bathrooms, hallways, stairwells), etc.
  • Front desk personnel—ensure youth are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.