Start A Team

Ready to inspire the next generation to be joyful, healthy and confident? Explore this page to learn how you can start a team at a nearby school or community facility.

Start a Team Info Packet

Checklist

Start a Team checklist

Starting a team refers to offering the program to a group of 8-15 girls at a location or site near you. This team will be part of Girls on the Run serving Maricopa & Pinal Counties.
First check to see if there is an existing team at your desired location in your community.
Designate a site liaison to serve as the program location contact (see the responsibilities of a site liaison below).
Review the newest 2025 Start a Team Info Packet, which has information about our program and what it takes to start a team at your desired location.
Gain support from location administrators, such as a school principal or director of the community center.
Identify a consistent lesson schedule (same days/times each week). Teams meet twice a week for 10 weeks on non-consecutive days for 90 minutes and should take into account holidays and school breaks. Heart & Sole Teams have the option to meet once a week for 120 minutes.
The location must provide a safe, dedicated outdoor and indoor space, where the program can be facilitated to the team at the dates/times determined for the season.
Teams must consist of 8-15 girls.
Complete a Start a Team Application.
Recruit two to four volunteer coaches, who must complete Coach Applications and attend and complete GOTR coach training.

Four Girls on the Run participants in purple shirts run while hugging and smiling

Site Liaison Responsibilities

Acts as the main contact at the site for Girls on the Run families/participants and Girls on the Run council staff before and throughout the program.
Aids in participant recruitment efforts at the site by utilizing in-person networking, distributing marketing materials (provided by Girls on the Run) and by spreading the word about Girls on the Run throughout the site community and via email and social media using provided digital templates. This helps ensure there is a full team for each season at this location.
Offers support to families who need assistance with registration or throughout the season.
Helps identify two to four coaches from the community for each team and ensures that coaches complete requirements*.

*If you cannot secure enough coaches, we will work with you to identify coaches from our volunteer pool.

AppreciateBlock

Whether you are new to Girls on the Run or a long-time supporter who is ready to advance our mission and vision, we value your interest in learning more about how to start a team.

Start a Team