Vacancies


​January 2023
​
Head Coach Position

Kidlington and Gosford Swimming club based in Oxfordshire is looking for a Head Coach to lead a fantastic team of coaches and volunteers in the successful development of the athletes within our club. KGSC is a friendly and welcoming competitive swimming club that has approximately 100 swimming members from juniors through to Masters. The club has grown in recent years, and this is a great opportunity for a passionate coach to take the club forwards by contributing to the short, medium and long term goals of its members. 
 
We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and self-motivated swimming coach to work within our supportive and friendly environment. The role is predominantly to coach the club’s junior sessions on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings. However, there is scope to increase coaching time and flexibility to adapt within the current framework (including some evening sessions). 
 
During all training sessions and relevant competitions, you will be required to work both as part of a team and on your own. You will take the lead and fully support the coaching team in all aspects of your duties as Head Coach. There are opportunities for further training once appointed. 
 
Qualities:
  • You must be passionate and enthusiastic about swimming, with the ability to inspire and motivate both swimmers and coaches.
  • You will have the ability to communicate and build relationships with all members, parents, volunteers and outside bodies such county and regional swim associations and other local clubs. 
  • You will be up to date with the latest changes and advancements in coaching techniques and technology and will continue to develop these skills.
 
Qualifications and Experience:
  • You will hold a Swim England Swimming Coach certificate or ASA Level 2 coaching qualification as a minimum.
  • You will need to have experience of being responsible for large groups of children in an environment involving risk and safeguarding considerations. 
  • You will have experience of leading a team of volunteers, with differing levels of experience and qualifications, to deliver teaching and coaching in a sporting environment.
  • You will have experience of creating training plans and delivering them to a group of children (and potentially adults) of mixed ages and abilities, to deliver a range of outcomes.
  • There will be a requirement for an enhanced DBS certificate prior to commencing the role, and completion of necessary safeguarding courses. 
 
Duties and Responsibilities:
 
To plan and direct training for swimmers working towards county and regional competitions, as well as lower-level open meets and team galas. Duties may include the following as well as other reasonable administrative tasks associated with a Head Coach position:

  • Writing an annual training plan 
  • Selecting galas and developing the competition calendar in line with the annual plan 
  • Providing training plans and sessions throughout the week, which build on individuals capabilities and promote a cyclical competitive programme 
  • Supporting coaches in preparing session plans by using a cyclical annual plan set for the season
  • Potentially scheduling land training for athletes as part of the annual plan as necessary
  • Mentoring new and upcoming teachers/coaches
  • Controlling swimmer movement between squads, in line with club policy
  • Selection of swimming teams
  • Reporting of gala performances and other newsworthy information for club newsletters
  • Helping assess any potential athletes entering the club
  • Creating successful relationships with neighbouring clubs to ensure strong athlete pathway
  • Ensuring the programme has exit routes for life-long participation within aquatics
  • Providing quarterly reports to the committee to update on the programme
  • Always being aware of the Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) and Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP).  
  • Informing the treasurer and membership secretary of new members entering the club
  • Treating everybody with respect, kindness, understanding and consideration
  • Actively engaging with coaching meetings and training sessions within the club to develop and share best practice with colleagues, facilitate discussions around schedules and training rotas, and oversee the management of the squads. 
  • Actively engaging with the swimming club committee to attain goals identified for the club, including the scheduling, management and delivery of seasonal fun galas and events.
  • To engage with welfare officers to ensure the health, safety, wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young adults involved with the club, in line with Swim England regulations
 
Gala Commitment:
  • Attend three Arena League team galas each year 
  • Attend three development galas per year 
  • Attend 7 target open meets. Additional monies to be agreed on a daily rate 
  • Attend all county championships, including relays and be there for all races including finals. Additional monies to be agreed on a daily rate.
  • Attend regional competitions where KGSC has a representative. Additional monies to be agreed on a daily rate.
 
Commitment:
  • To arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time and then to prepare athletes for poolside warm up.
  • To start and finish your sessions on time
  • To continue to develop your knowledge and professional development at every opportunity and to attend staff training and meetings as required 
  • You need to be flexible with working hours, however, we envisage on average approximately 9 hours poolside and 3 hours of planning and additional work per week, throughout the course of the year. However, poolside hours can be negotiated up or down prior to appointment. 
 
Remuneration:
  • We expect the successful candidate to be self-employed.
  • Depending on the agreed coaching hours KGSC would be prepared to offer the right candidate a base of £10,000 per annum, with additional monies for galas as agreed. 
  • The specific number of hours and salary are negotiable for the right candidate
  • Travel costs are also payable to attend galas.
 
For applications, please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]