Building a Team That Inspires: How Minisport Recruits, Trains, and Retains the Best Coaches for Your Kids

In this blog, we pull back the curtain on how we recruit, train, and retain the best team to ensure your child’s experience is second to none. From rigorous recruitment processes to ongoing training and fostering a strong team culture, discover how we build a coaching family that’s as committed to your child’s growth as you are. Whether you’re a parent looking to understand what sets Minisport apart or simply curious about how we ensure quality, this article has something for you. Let’s dive in.

Building Upon A Shared Vision

We’re more than just a multi-sport program. We’re a community built on a shared vision: to empower 1.5-6yr olds to discover multiple sports. None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our amazing coaches.

Creating a program that stands apart means going above and beyond at every step. From recruiting passionate, qualified coaches to providing them with extensive training, fostering a strong team culture, and supporting their professional and personal development, we’ve built a foundation that ensures your child gets the very best experience. In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of how we have built, and continue to build, this awesome group of dedicated young coaching professionals.

Recruiting the Best Coaches  

The quality of our program starts with the quality of our people. We’ve designed a recruitment process that ensures we find not only the most qualified candidates but also those who share our passion for inspiring children. 

Where We Find Talent  

We recruit both locally and internationally, with a growing number of our coaches coming from the United Kingdom. By bringing over waves of coaches from the UK, we’ve created an environment where coaches form close bonds and strong friendships. This sense of connection within our team translates directly into the energy and enthusiasm our coaches bring to classes. 

Thorough Screening Process  

We take our responsibility seriously. Candidates go through three rounds of interviews, and shortlisted candidates are required to complete a Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) by the Hong Kong government. This ensures that every coach who joins  Minisport is not only qualified but also trustworthy and safe to work with children. 

Training That Never Stops  

We believe in equipping our coaches with the tools and support they need to excel. That’s why our training program is among the most comprehensive in the industry. 

Onboarding Program  

Newly recruited coaches undergo a 4-8 week onboarding process (depending on experience level), which includes: 

- Workshops (group and one-on-one sessions) 

- Online courses on our curriculum, child safety, and child psychology

- At least 40 hours of shadowing and assisting classes  

By the end of this program, coaches are rigorously assessed and internally certified, ensuring they’re fully prepared to deliver the Minisport experience. 

Performance Director, Dan, leading the way in a weekly training session.

Weekly Training Workshops  

The learning doesn’t stop after onboarding. Every week, our coaches participate in 60-90 minute workshops. These sessions aren’t just about reinforcing the curriculum—they’re collaborative spaces where coaches share ideas, develop new strategies, and brainstorm ways to make every session engaging and impactful. 

Quarterly Appraisals and Open Door Policy  

Every three months, our coaches undergo appraisals to ensure they’re meeting our high standards. We also maintain an open-door policy, encouraging coaches to seek support with any challenges they face. By addressing potential issues early, we ensure every session runs smoothly and effectively. 

Supporting Coaches Beyond the Job  

At Minisport, we know that happy, well-supported coaches deliver the best experiences for your children. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure our team feels at home—both on and off the field—when they join us in Hong Kong. 

Helping Coaches Settle in Hong Kong  

Relocating to a new country can be challenging, but we’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible for our coaches. From the moment they land in Hong Kong, we provide: 

- Accommodation Advice : We guide new coaches on finding housing that suits their needs, offering tips on navigating the local rental market. 

- Building Connections : We help coaches integrate into the local community by matching them with sports teams, gym memberships, and other social activities. This not only helps them stay active but also fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie. 

- Cultural Orientation : We offer guidance on adapting to life in Hong Kong, from understanding local customs to navigating transportation and exploring the city’s vibrant culture. 

By supporting our coaches in these ways, we ensure they feel at ease and ready to bring their best energy to every session they lead. 

Continual Development Fund  

At  Minisport, we believe in lifelong learning—not just for kids, but for our coaches too. That’s why, starting from their second year with us, every coach has access to a Continual Development Fund. This fund allows them to further develop their skills and expertise through external courses, certifications, and workshops. 

Whether it’s pursuing advanced coaching qualifications, deepening their knowledge of child psychology, or exploring innovative teaching methods, the fund empowers our coaches to grow professionally. This commitment to ongoing development directly enhances the quality of the  Minisport experience for your children. 

What We Look for in a Coach  

At  Minisport, we hire more than just coaches—we hire role models. Here’s what we value most: 

1. Passion for Kids  

A love for working with children is non-negotiable. We look for individuals who are as passionate about inspiring kids as we are. 

2. Qualifications and Expertise  

Most of our coaches hold sports coaching degrees, and many even have master’s degrees. For those without formal degrees, we ensure they have extensive certifications and relevant experience that meet our high standards. 

3. Character and Energy  

Beyond qualifications, we prioritise personality. Our coaches are energetic, enthusiastic, and ready to bring their best to every session. 

Coach Ali sweating it out at H-Kore Studios on one of our regular Thursday morning staff wellness outings.

Retaining the Best Coaches  

Recruiting great coaches is only the beginning. Retaining them requires a commitment to their well-being and work-life balance. 

A Balanced Lifestyle: Resting, Playing & Giving Back Together

We believe in creating a sustainable work environment for our coaches so they can consistently deliver their best. Each coach has 2.5 days off coaching per week, including Thursday mornings, which are reserved for team-building, charity incentives or simply just to rest and catch up with life.

Effectively coaching kids takes energy, and we firmly believe that this balanced lifestyle ensures that our coaches remain energised and motivated to deliver high-quality sessions. 

Backup Coaches to Avoid Cancellations  

We understand how important consistency is for your child’s development. That’s why we pride ourselves on avoiding cancellations at all costs (although of course they can still happen). When a coach takes well-deserved leave, we strive to always have a backup coach ready to step in, ensuring your child’s routine is never disrupted. While you may occasionally see a new face, rest assured that every coach stepping in is fully trained and prepared to maintain the same high standards. 

The team back in June 2024 at a 7s football tournament at Hong Kong Football Club.

Celebrating Team Culture  

At  Minisport, we believe that a strong team culture is the foundation of great coaching. 

Team Building and Bonding  

Every Thursday morning, we hold team-building activities like yoga, laser tag, charity work, and beach trips. These activities foster camaraderie and create a supportive environment where coaches feel valued and connected. On alternate Thursdays, this time is reserved for rest, allowing coaches to recharge and bring their very best to every session. 

International Collaboration  

The bonds we see within our team extend across borders. Our international coaches, particularly those from the UK, often join us in waves, creating natural opportunities for close-knit relationships to form. We also collaborate with our coaches in Singapore, holding regular meetings with their head coach to ensure consistency in program delivery. 

To Our Coaches: Thank You for Your Dedication  

We want to take a moment to thank our incredible coaching team. Your dedication, passion, and energy are what make our sessionstruly special. Every smile, every high-five, and every breakthrough moment is a testament to your hard work and commitment. 

Our Mission Drives Everything We Do

At Minisport, we’re driven by a singular mission: to inspire children and help them develop a lifelong love of sport. This mission shapes everything we do, from our rigorous recruitment process to our commitment to training and retaining the best coaching team. 

We don’t just hire coaches—we build a family of passionate, qualified, and energetic individuals who are dedicated to helping kids thrive. Combined with our unique approach and powerful app technology, this is what sets us apart. 

What The Coaches Have To Say...

Looking Ahead  

As we continue to expand internationally and welcome new franchise partners, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. Thank you for being part of the  Minisport journey. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of confident, active, and inspired kids. 

We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

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