YMCA Sports & Recreation Management Internship - Spring 2026

Sports & Recreation Unpaid Internship 

Make an Impact. Gain Experience. Grow Your Career.

About Us

At the YMCA, we’re more than just a fitness facility—we’re a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our sports and recreation programs help children build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and stay active while forming lasting friendships. From soccer and basketball to karate and rock climbing, we offer engaging activities that keep kids learning and growing every season.

About the Internship

Are you passionate about sports and recreation? Looking to gain hands-on experience in program coordination, coaching, and youth development? A Sports & Recreation Internship at the YMCA provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting while directly impacting young athletes.

As an intern, you will work alongside the Sports & Recreation Director, gaining experience in program management, coaching, customer service, and facility operations. This internship is designed to help you build essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and sports administration—setting a strong foundation for your future career.

What You’ll Do

On a typical day, you will:

• Assist with recreational youth basketball leagues and seasonal sports programs.
• Coach the fundamentals of various sports, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
• Coordinate programming at large gymnasiums and sports centers.
• Engage directly with children, parents, and YMCA members to create a positive and inclusive environment.
• Develop and implement marketing materials to promote programs.
• Maintain program facilities and ensure a high-quality experience for participants.
• Learn about program administration, scheduling, and operational logistics.
• Gain valuable exposure to YMCA leadership and career pathways within sports and recreation.

Is This the Right Opportunity for You?

This internship is ideal for you if:

• You love sports and have the ability to teach basic skills and fundamentals.
• You enjoy coaching or want to develop coaching experience.
• You have experience working with youth and are passionate about mentorship.
• You’re interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes management of sports programming.
• You are studying Sports Management, Recreation & Leisure, Nonprofit or Business Management, Physical Education, or a related field.
• You aspire to become an Athletic Director, Sports League Coordinator, Physical Education Teacher, or YMCA Sports Program Director.

Internship Highlights

• Hands-on learning experience with direct youth engagement.
• Exposure to program planning, coordination, and leadership development.
• Opportunity to complete a final project, such as a case study evaluating a recreational program and presenting a business plan to enhance program quality and participation.
• Professional networking opportunities with YMCA leaders and mentors.

Internship Details

• Duration: 14-16 weeks (one semester or based on school curriculum requirements).
• Hours: 10-32 hours per week, depending on internship criteria and availability.
• Locations: Beverly, and Marblehead YMCAs.
• Compensation: Unpaid (includes a free YMCA membership and discounts on YMCA programs).
• Application Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Internship listings are released the semester before the anticipated start date.

Ready to gain hands-on experience and make a difference in your community? Apply today!

Qualifications

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university, pursuing a degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Non-Profit Management, Physical Education, or a related field.
• General knowledge of various sports, with specific experience in playing and/or instructing basketball.
• Completion and submission of an official YNS internship application is required for consideration.
• It is the student’s responsibility to verify and obtain any necessary prior approval from their educational institution before beginning the internship.

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.