New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) features its renowned Pre-Adaptive Coach Program (PAC) for year-round sports activities. Teenagers interested in learning how to adapt sports for individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to learn and grow under the supervision and mentorship of our professional staff and accredited adult volunteer coaches. Each season, a group of well-rounded teens are selected through an interview process to join the PAC Program.
Passion and Commitment are attributes required of those who choose to apply to the PAC program. PAC volunteers experience an incomparable level of camaraderie with the NEDS community, both on and off the slopes. PAC volunteers work alongside experienced NEDS coaches to help students ‘break barriers’ never thought possible. PAC volunteers are trained to become active coaches by the time they are sixteen through a well-organized training program. Along their journey, they will support the program through various other jobs such as preparing equipment, assisting coaches, observing lessons, and supporting various program-sanctioned events. The greatest fulfillment a PAC volunteer can achieve is an athlete’s first successful turn develop into a passion for snowsports.
PAC volunteers learn responsibility, self-awareness, confidence, leadership, independence, and compassion. Pairing these skills with an increase of interpersonal, intrapersonal skills, PAC volunteers are given the tools to have an upper hand in pursuing life goals. The program also provides short-term, immediate benefits including healthy, productive winter activities, disability awareness, an interactive and exciting learning environment, new experiences, new friends, and fun.
PAC Applications open NOW!
Applications for the 2024-2025 winter season must be received by July 31, 2024.
Applications for the 2024 summer season must be received by May 1, 2024.
Join PAC
Click HERE to fill out an application.
PAC Winter Season Eligibility
- Must be a motivated teenager, between the ages 14-17, in High School by September 1, 2024
- Able to commit to the required number of volunteer days
- Able to ski or ride at an intermediate level
- Reliable transportation.
- PAC Volunteer (ages 14-15) Job Description and Code of Conduct.
- PAC Volunteer (ages 16-17) Job Description and Code of Conduct.
Application Process for Winter Season:
Once applications close, the PAC Coordinator will review applications and determine which applicants will be invited to have a phone interview.
Phone interviews will last approximately 15-20 mins and applicants will be interviewed by the PAC Coordinator as well as one other NEDS Member to determine if they will be invited for the 2nd round of interviews.
PAC applicants that have been selected for the 3rd round will be notified and expected to attend an interview on Zoom in August or September. Interviews will last approximately 30 mins and will be conducted by a group of people consisting of PAC Alumni, PAC Board Member Liaison, PAC Coordinator and the PAC Supervisor. Applicants are expected to dress for a professional interview.
All PAC applicants will be notified in early October if they have been selected to join the PAC program.
What to Expect as a PAC Member During the Winter Season:
A typical day at NEDS: Arrive at NEDS in the AM around 8:40 am and start preparing all of the equipment needed for lessons at 8:30 am. The morning meeting starts at 9:05 am in the coach’s locker room. Once all lessons are done, help put away all of the equipment and write notes on your student.
PAC volunteers are required to attend pre-season training in November and December before the start of lessons (typically the 2nd weekend in December).
Contact Kealand Nicoll, PAC Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions.
PAC Summer Season Eligibility
- Must be a motivated teenager, between the ages 14-17, in High School by May 1, 2024
- Must have a flexible schedule during weekdays
- All NEDS volunteers are strongly encouraged to have or obtain a CDC-approved and complete COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of volunteering with NEDS unless a medical exemption or deferral has been approved by their physician.
- PAC Volunteer (ages 14-15) Job Description and Code of Conduct.
- PAC Volunteer (ages 16-17) Job Description and Code of Conduct.
APPLICATION PROCESS SUMMER
Apply online for the spring, summer, and fall months HERE! Once we receive your application, we will notify you of a time for a phone interview. The interview will be conducted by the PAC Coordinator and a NEDS staff member. After the phone interview, you will be contacted for a final decision on being accepted into the program. All chosen PAC volunteers are required to attend training for each sport you are interested in volunteering for.
Contact Kealand Nicoll, PAC Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions.