Cool Careers - National Competitive Sports Coach

Interview with Stephen David:  Owner and Technical Director, Just Bounce Trampoline Club, Inc., Toronto

Challenge Factory is interviewing people with cool careers to get the inside scoop on what it is like to have non-traditional jobs.  If you have a cool job that you love and would like to be interviewed, let us know!

1. How would you describe what you do?

I am a professional coach in the sport of trampoline that guides people of all ages to achieve their potential goals in the sport.

2. How did you get started?

I started 24 years ago as a professional gymnastics coach.  I had been a gymnast as a child and over the years coached women’s and men’s artistic gymnastics.  Slowly, I moved over to the sport of trampoline.  One thing that pushed me to the sport of trampoline is my goal of one day being an Olympic coach and my transition from coach to coach/owner was part of my desire to ensure that I controlled my own destiny – something that had been important to me right from a young age.  At 23 years old, I owned my first gymnastics club in Ottawa.  I made a number of mistakes and this business did not work out – but I learned a lot.  Seven years ago an opportunity presented itself to take what I learned from that experience and open up a new club with my, then, Fiancée (who is now my wife).

3. What do you like and dislike about what you do?

I love the opportunity to help individuals achieve goals that they never personally thought they could achieve. On the flip side, it’s hard to identify what I dislike – I have taken a passion or hobby of mine and turned it into a career.  When you do that, it’s hard to dislike what you do.

4. How do you make money/or how are you compensated?

One portion of what I do is coach competitive athletes for international competitions.  My compensation for this part of the business is mainly boosts to my ego (which I try to keep relatively small!).  I have been able to see my athletes be empowered and successful on the international stage and know that what I am doing is helping them achieve their goals.  In the coaching work I do at the recreational level, the smile that a child has when they complete a skill that they never thought they’d be able to do is pure gold and worth more than money. The coaching profession as a whole is not about money – it is about passion.  It took 18 years in the business to get to a point that I did not require a second job.  

The second portion of my compensation is based on the facility I own with my wife.  Through revenues associated with club memberships and rentals of the facility itself we have built for ourselves a stable base that takes care of our basic and household needs.

5. What education or skills are needed to do this?

Experience and NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) are the main requirements.  24 years into this profession, I am in the final stages of NCCP certification (level 4/5).  At this level, I need to demonstrate an ability to produce athletes over a period of time and have a National Team Member under my instruction.  I also have to complete the equivalent of a thesis.  In addition to the certification program, I have completed various post-secondary education programs, such as massage therapy, to enable my coaching to be superior. Formal training aside, there are many characteristics one requires to be a good coach:  positive communication strategies, the ability to break down physical actions into descriptive small steps and the ability to communicate what athletes need to feel and see as they perform are unique skills to be successful in this industry.

6. What is most challenging about what you do?

I work with athletes every day who have fears – rational and irrational.  They need to go through the process of facing those fears.  Being able to help them realize that fear is a natural safety net is a challenge.  I need to help them process the fear and show them how they can control their performance despite these fears.  Helping the athletes develop the courage to get past their fear and move forward with confidence is a very challenging part of my job.

7. What is most rewarding?

When you are able to work with individuals and see them achieve things they never thought was possible, you know you’ve made a difference in their life- that is the most rewarding thing one can do.  A few weeks ago I ran into my first athlete who recognized me as his coach from 15 years ago.  They told me that I had made such a positive effect on his life.  It was an incredible moment for me.

8. What advice would you offer someone considering this career?

Find your passion and then figure out a way to make it your career.  Ask yourself – “do you love coaching” enough to take lower remuneration?  Are you willing, as an owner, to do what it takes to make your facility a success?  This industry requires a lot of sacrificing.  As a business owner there are lots of things along the way that will make you doubt your choice, such as an angry parent or an athlete that gets injured.  You need to love what you are doing to know that you are doing what is best for you – even on the hard days.

9. What is a common misconception people have about what you do?

Most people think my job is a hobby for teenagers.  Parents ask when I will grow up and get a “real career." :)

10. What are your goals/dreams for the future?

An ultimate dream would be to be on the floor of the Olympics as a coach.  I also dream of the club [Just Bounce] being recognized as a leader in the development of athletes, a leader in the programs its developed and a shaper of the sport as a whole.

11. What else would you like people to know about what you do?

At Just Bounce, we offer a safe way to enjoy an acrobatic sport in a progression based step by step process. Each individual can progress at their own pace.

Thanks so much, Stephen for sharing your career with Challenge Factory! If people want more information about Just Bounce how can they reach you?

Our website is www.justbounce.ca.

Stephen is also available as a Challenge Factory Expert for clients looking to experience a day in the life of this career.

Interested in learning about other careers?  Check out our other Cool Careers interviews!