Coaching Program
Coaching Program
Our Coaching program offers multiple ways for coaches to support Irish baseball and connect with a global coaching community.
We welcome coaches of all levels — from Little League to high school, college, and professional levels. If you’ve coached baseball, worked with kids, or played at a high level, this is an opportunity to share your knowledge and help the game grow internationally.
Coaches Corner
Coaches who are members of the Irish American Baseball Society also have access to the Coaches Corner, our online forum to connect and learn from one another. It’s a place to network with fellow coaches, share tips, drills, and ideas, and stay informed about the growth of baseball in Ireland.
Coaching Opportunities
Qualified coaches who meet defined availability and coaching requirements have the opportunity to coach with our Irish Heritage teams and travel to Ireland to teach baseball in our Irish Youth Baseball program.
Teaching Baseball in Ireland
- This is a volunteer coaching opportunity: We send coaches over to Ireland to run camps and clinics in one week stints. A typical week might include morning clinics in elementary schools from 9am-noon, followed by an evening clinic with a local youth team.
- Help with Travel Costs: Coaches can use our fundraising program to help cover most of the major expenses of the trip: airfare, hotel, and travel within Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Irish to join this program?
No, Irish ancestry is not required. We’re looking for qualified coaches and teachers who want to make a difference in the future of Irish Baseball.
How can I join the program?
Joining the program is as easy as joining the Irish American Baseball Society!
I don't want to travel to Ireland, can I still join the program?
Yes! All coaches are welcome to join the program. There is no requirement to travel to Ireland.
When can I travel to Ireland?
We send coaches over throughout the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. The specific dates depend on when our partner organizations in Ireland have activities planned.
How much does it cost to travel to Ireland?
The specific cost depends on the time of year, where you are flying out of, and other factors that will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our fundraising program is designed to help offset these costs.
What is the fundraising requirement?
We ask that coaches in the program commit to fundraising $100 each year. Coaches traveling to Ireland are asked to fundraising at least $500. We provide fundraising materials and guidance to make the process very easy.
What is the level of play in Ireland?
Most children in Ireland have limited baseball experience. Our program focuses on introducing the game to kids, ages 6-12, and training the volunteer coaches who run the teams in Ireland.
Much of our work involves helping kids get familiar with the rules of the game while teaching basic mechanics and fundamentals of catching, throwing, and hitting.
What does a typical day look like for coaches traveling to Ireland?
Specific schedules will vary based on location and time of year, but you’ll most likely work in our school-based physical education class program, Monday-Friday (9am-1pm), with a few evening clinics (5-7pm) and a possible Satuday clinic before you fly home.
Can I choose where I teach baseball?
No, not at this time. Baseball is still a very small sport in Ireland, largely because of a lack of coaching and funding resources. We’re working to change that!
So, you’re options of where you can coach are limited to the places where the game is played and which clubs have available fields and volunteers on the dates you’ll be in Ireland.
I'm already planning a family vacation to Ireland. Can I run a clinic while I'm there?
If you’re already planning to travel to Ireland, we’re happy to try to work around your schedule and coordinate a clinic or coaching opportunity that fits into your plans. Much will depend on the availability of our partner organizations in Ireland and the availability of their fields and coaches. This can be tricky, and we work very hard to coordinate these details.
Regardless of your travel plans, you will still need to pass all necessary vetting and background checks BEFORE traveling to Ireland.
