The PA Rush Mentor Program is your chance to make a lasting impact in our club and community. Whether you're a current player, an aspiring coach, or just love the game, mentoring is a meaningful way to give back — while gaining leadership, communication, and soccer experience that will benefit you for years to come.

We’re looking for motivated, responsible individuals age 12 and up who want to support younger players, assist coaches, and help bring energy and leadership to club activities. If that sounds like you, we’d love for you to join us.

For questions about our Mentoring Program please contact Kristian Bates.

Why Become a Mentor? 

Develop Leadership Skills: Learn how to guide, communicate, and support others

Give Back to the Game: Help the next generation of players fall in love with soccer

Earn Service Hours: Great for NHS, graduation requirements, and college applications

Gain Coaching Experience: Perfect for future coaches and referees

Be Recognized: Mentors receive certificates, rewards, and public recognition

Have Fun: Build friendships, work with great coaches, and stay connected to the game

What Mentors Do

Mentors help across a range of club activities depending on your age, interests, and availability:

On the Field

• Assist coaches at practices and games
• Support players during drills and scrimmages
• Demonstrate basic skills and help organize small groups
• Encourage teamwork and sportsmanship
• Help with positioning and player confidence (U7 and up)

Around the Club

• Volunteer at camps, events, and tournaments
• Help organize uniforms and team equipment
• Assist with player evaluations and placements
• Set up fields, organize gear, and support Soccer Fest or Club Olympics
• Referee or shadow referees at younger age group games

You’ll always be matched with tasks appropriate to your age and experience — and you’ll have support along the way.

Priorities for the Mentor Coordinator

Each new mentor should be assigned a task/team. For his/her first two practices a Club representative (or volunteer parent) will attend. This is very important and considered a critical period for the new mentor. It is important they receive positive feedback from someone who is neutral. 

It is recommended that at in-service clinics, all mentors attend the clinic and work with new programs during the field-training portion of the clinic. This allows the new mentors to receive immediate feedback on mechanics, signals, etc., and will acquaint the new referee with the mentoring program.

The Mentor Coordinator may want to work directly with the Club President/Board Member. In some areas, new mentors are assigned to a team, a task, or program. This provides a good opportunity for the new mentor to be assigned to an older age group where he/she can observe an experienced mentor and observe mechanics of the training. This assigning method may be considered in the league’s mentoring program.

Training & Support

We’ll provide all the guidance and materials you need to get started:

• A short mentor training session to help you feel confident
• Clear expectations and examples of how to give feedback
• Shadow opportunities to learn from experienced mentors or staff
• Ongoing check-ins and written evaluations to support your growth

Time Commitment

We understand your schedule is busy. That’s why we offer flexible opportunities:

• Mentors typically commit to 1–2 sessions per week during the season
• You’ll stay with the same team or group throughout the season when possible
• Most mentoring takes place on Saturdays, so it won’t conflict with travel teams or PAGS/DELCO matches
• You can also help at special events, camps, or club programs as available

Rewards & Recognition

Your time and effort won’t go unnoticed.

Mentors may receive:

• Certificates of achievement (Bronze, Silver, Gold for service hours)
• Service patches and commemorative coins
• Letters of recommendation for college or job applications
• Recognition at club events or board meetings
• Mentor of the Year awards
• Eligibility for scholarship opportunities (pending funding)

We’ll also track your service hours — great for school or community service programs.

Ready to Join?

If you're excited to get involved and help others grow in the game, we want to hear from you.

• Ages 12 and up are welcome
• Parental consent is required if under 18
• No experience needed — just a positive attitude and willingness to learn

To sign up or learn more, contact: Kristian Bates