Be the Difference in a Child’s Life
Join the Kids Need Play Organization as a volunteer and help us create meaningful opportunities for kids to grow, thrive, and play. Whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or supporting our events, your time and passion can make an incredible impact.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
At the Kids Need Play Organization (KNPO), our volunteers are the heart of our mission to create opportunities for kids to grow, thrive, and play. Whether you’re a coach, tutor, mentor, or organizer, you’ll play a critical role in shaping positive experiences for every child.
KNPO is inspired by Bruce Lee’s philosophy to “be like water” and Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset. Volunteers are expected to familiarize themselves with these concepts, embracing adaptability, resilience, and a belief in the power of growth.
We challenge the old-school, traditional methods. The KNPO Way is different—we prioritize play, learning, and development over rigid techniques and mindless drills.
COACHES
Role: Teach basketball in a way that nurtures growth, creativity, and a love for the game. Coaches are Gardeners and Guides, helping kids explore and grow—not drill sergeants trying to create professional athletes.
Responsibilities:
- Lead or assist in practices and clinics, focusing on learning through play.
- Use engaging, game-like activities—“on-air” drills, rote repetitions, and traditional methods are forbidden.
- Emphasize decision-making, creativity, and adaptability rather than rigid mechanics or techniques.
- Create a positive, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.
- Encourage kids to embrace mistakes as opportunities to grow, in line with the Growth Mindset.
- Model adaptability and flexibility, embodying Bruce Lee’s philosophy to “be like water.”
TUTORS
Role: Support student-athletes academically, helping them develop skills for success in the classroom and beyond.
Responsibilities:
Provide one-on-one or group tutoring tailored to each child’s needs and learning style.
- Foster a Growth Mindset by encouraging perseverance, effort, and curiosity.
- Build confidence in students by celebrating progress and small wins.
Collaborate with mentors and coaches to support holistic development.
- Embrace flexibility and adaptability in teaching, reflecting the “be like water” philosophy.
MENTORS
Role: Be a trusted guide and positive role model, helping kids develop life skills, confidence, and resilience.
Responsibilities:
Build strong, supportive relationships with young athletes.
- Help kids set and achieve meaningful personal, academic, and athletic goals.
- Encourage a Growth Mindset by showing kids that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow.
- Promote emotional well-being, self-confidence, and adaptability.
- Embody the KNPO philosophy of flexibility, creativity, and positivity in all interactions.
ORGANIZERS
Role: Ensure KNPO programs and events run smoothly, supporting the mission behind the scenes.
Responsibilities:
Assist with planning and executing events like tournaments, clinics, and workshops.
- Manage logistics, including registrations, schedules, and communication with participants.
- Collaborate with coaches, mentors, and tutors to align all programs with KNPO’s child-first approach.
- Uphold the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, safety, and creating positive experiences for kids.
- Be adaptable and solution-focused, embodying the flexibility of the “be like water” mindset.
Why KNPO Volunteers Are Different
At KNPO, we’re creating a movement that challenges the traditional approach to youth sports and development:
Kids First, Always: We prioritize the well-being and growth of every child.
Positive Experiences: No yelling, verbal abuse, or bullying will be tolerated.
Holistic Growth: We teach kids to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and grow as players and people.
Innovative Methods: We reject mindless drills, focusing instead on play, engagement, and adaptability.
Volunteers must commit to these principles and embody Bruce Lee’s philosophy and Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset. Together, we’ll create a culture where every child can thrive.
Ready to join the movement?
Contact Us to Join Our Volunteer Team
Reach out to learn how you can volunteer and make a difference in Hamilton.