Play Forever After School Sports Programs – 2026–2027
Position: Program Lead
Program: Play Forever After School Sports Programs
Program Dates: July & September 2026 – June 2027
Hours: Part-time 15–20 hours weekly (evening shifts)
Pay: $18–$22/hour, based on experience
Reports To: Program Manager
Organization: Play Forever (playforever.ca)
About Play Forever
Play Forever is a registered charity delivering accessible, inclusive, and high-quality sport and recreation programs that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and personal development for children and youth across the Greater Toronto Area. Our After School Sports Programs provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment where participants build confidence, develop skills, and create lasting friendships.
Position Summary
Play Forever is hiring a Program Lead to implement and lead our after school sports programs in Toronto and York Region. The Program Lead is the main point of contact on-site for schools and Program Support Staff, responsible for delivering planned program sessions, leading each activity, and ensuring participants have a safe, engaging, and well-run experience. This is an excellent opportunity for an organized, hands-on leader who enjoys working directly with children, sport, and community partners.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Program Lead responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Program Delivery & Implementation
· Implement the planned program curriculum and activities for each session as outlined by Play Forever
· Arrive early to set up the program site and prepare all necessary equipment prior to the start of each session
· Lead each program activity on-site, directing and working alongside Program Support Staff to ensure activities are delivered effectively and participants stay engaged
· Adapt planned activities as needed to suit group size, age, ability, and site conditions
· Ensure each session starts and ends on time, with smooth transitions between activities
On-Site Coordination & Liaison
· Serve as the main point of contact with school staff/administration on-site for scheduling, space access, and day-to-day coordination
· Communicate proactively with school contacts regarding any changes, concerns, or facility issues
· Coordinate with school site contacts for opening, locking up, and securing program spaces and equipment storage at the start and end of each session
· Liaise with parents/guardians on-site as needed regarding participant pick-up, concerns, or updates
Staff Direction & Support
· Act as the main point of contact for Program Support Staff on-site, providing direction and support throughout each session
· Assign roles and tasks to Program Support Staff to ensure each activity runs smoothly and is properly supported
· Provide on-the-spot guidance, feedback, and support to Program Support Staff during sessions
· Help orient and train new Program Support Staff on-site
Supervision & Safety
· Ensure all participants are supervised at all times and that the program site remains safe throughout the session
· Conduct headcounts and confirm attendance at the start, during, and end of each session
· Ensure participants are only released to authorized parents/guardians
· Identify and address potential hazards before and during program activities
Reporting & Communication
· Complete and submit incident reports, attendance records, and session summaries accurately and promptly
· Report directly to the Program Manager regarding any issues, concerns, staffing needs, or participant needs
· Escalate any safety or child-protection concerns immediately in accordance with Play Forever’s Abuse Prevention Protocol
· Communicate openly and professionally with participants, parents, school contacts, Program Support Staff, and the Program Manager
Required Standards & Compliance
The Program Lead Must:
· Adhere to all policies in the PlayForever Staff & Volunteer Onboarding Handbook
· Comply with the PlayForever Abuse Prevention & Response Protocol at all times
· Uphold and model the PlayForever Staff Professional Code of Conduct in all interaction
· Ensure Program Support Staff on-site are complying with PlayForever policies during each session
· Return all required documents signed after carefully reviewing them prior to the start date
Qualifications & Requirements
· Must be 18 years of age or older
· A valid Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is required prior to the start date
· Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification is required (or willingness to obtain prior to the start date)
· Previous experience leading or coaching groups of children/youth in sport, recreation, or camp settings is strongly preferred
· Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
· Comfortable liaising directly with school staff, parents, and program partners
· Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to the full duration of the program (July & September 2026 – June 2027)
· Energetic, patient, and genuinely enthusiastic about working with children
· Ability to remain calm, decisive, and responsible in a fast-paced environment
What We Offer
· Hands-on leadership experience working with a respected community-based charity
· Training and mentorship in program leadership, coaching, and staff direction
· A fun, active, and rewarding work environment
· The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local youth
Play Forever | playforever.ca
Pay: $18.00-$20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
