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- Tasks: Coach and support university athletes in canoe slalom to enhance their performance.
- Company: Paddle UK, the governing body for Paddlesports, promoting inclusivity and potential.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible dress code, free parking, and employee benefits platform.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for travel and collaboration with top universities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help aspiring athletes reach their full potential in paddling.
- Qualifications: National coaching qualification and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 15960 - 26600 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
Paddle UK is the governing body for Paddlesports. We have had many advances in our sport and paddling now covers a wide range of interests and passions as a sport and a leisure activity for all. We want to support and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of paddling regardless of their age, background or ability.
Salary range: ÂŁ15,960.00 per annum (FTE ÂŁ26,600 per annum)
Department: Talent Programme
Reports to: England National Talent Coach (Central/Northern)
Location: Paddle UK Offices, National Water Sports Centre, Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU
Working Pattern: Part time, 22.2 hours per week, with regular mornings and weekend work and domestic and international travel required.
Closing date: 1 June 2026
Interview dates: Week commencing 8 June 2026
The Role
In collaboration with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, the University Performance Coach is a critical part of the England Slalom Talent Programme and will be based at the Paddle UK Offices in Nottingham. This part time coaching role will play a crucial role in supporting the development and performance of identified university student athletes from Nottingham partner universities and performance focused Holme Pierrepont Canoe Club (HPPCC) paddlers in order to optimise performance delivery at identified British University and College Sport (BUCS) events and GB national team selection.
This role holder will also lead on the structure of England Whitewater training camps and support the preparation and delivery of identified Slalom School Programme camps. This is a thrilling chance to work with athletes aspiring for high performance, coordinating and delivering coaching support, focused on enhancing student athletes' enjoyment, development and performance and helping them achieve their absolute potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a programme of training and coaching support for identified athletes ensuring quality coach delivery and provision that meets the individual athlete and wider group needs.
- Support preparation opportunities and provide coaching delivery at both Canoe Slalom and White Water Racing BUCS events and U23 GB Team selection events in order to maximise athlete event performances.
- Support the planning and delivery of the Canoe Slalom BUCS events when hosted by Nottingham Universities in order to support event delivery.
- Support the university’s sport scholarship team in the identification and recruitment of talented student athletes to partner universities.
- Delivery of quality coaching provision to Holme Pierrepont CC slalom members within performance group sessions.
- Lead on developing a calendar of England Whitewater training camp provision and work with the Canoe Slalom Junior Pathway Lead and contracted coaches to ensure provision for these camps is covered.
- Support the delivery of Slalom Schools, working closely with the Regional Pathway Coach and other members of the Talent team.
- Work alongside, and in conjunction with, university performance support staff to help support the delivery of the athletes training programme and performance goals.
- Attend regular review and planning meetings in order to best support provision and ensure successful fulfilment of the Nottingham University Partnership agreement.
About You
You’ll be someone who has a passion for canoe slalom performance coaching. You enjoy developing paddlers on a performance trajectory, are able to juggle priorities and keep complex programmes running smoothly.
Essential Skills and Experience
- National coaching qualification, with a minimum Canoe Slalom Coach Award or equivalent.
- Has excellent technical knowledge, performance planning skills and a deep understanding of the components of Canoe Slalom Performance and long term athlete development principles.
- Ability to develop, deliver and modify, as required, individualised training and preparation programmes to improve the performance of athletes targeting finals at age group World Championships.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with a clear ability to inspire and motivate.
- Team player and willing to embrace an integrated and collaborative approach to talent development.
- Able to deal with conflict and to confront issues and challenges in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and a diverse work portfolio.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Proven track record of operating at Junior/U23 World and European Championship level.
- Awareness of safeguarding procedures in working with children and young people.
- Has a degree level of education in a relevant subject.
- Has a Canoe Slalom Performance Coach award.
We value people who:
- Take a collaborative, team-focused approach.
- Build positive relationships with partners, stakeholders and volunteers.
- Show initiative and a “can do” attitude.
- Stay calm and adaptable in a changing environment.
- Take ownership of their development and performance.
We recognise the contribution our employees make and think these benefits reflect our appreciation:
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (Pro rata for part time employees).
- Dress for your day.
- Free onsite parking and bike storage.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing and discounts).
To find out more about the role, Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit www.paddleuk.org.uk.
University Performance Coach in Nottingham employer: British Canoeing
Contact Detail:
British Canoeing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University Performance Coach in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Paddle UK on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Paddle UK's values and recent projects. Show us that you're not just passionate about paddling but also about our mission to support athletes from all backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching scenarios! Think about how you'd handle different athlete situations and be ready to share your strategies during the interview. We love seeing your thought process!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace University Performance Coach in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for canoe slalom coaching shine through. We want to see how much you care about helping athletes reach their potential and how you can contribute to our mission at Paddle UK.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant coaching qualifications and experiences that align with the role. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've developed athletes and managed training programmes, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us understand your skills and experiences without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity with Paddle UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Canoeing
✨Know Your Paddling Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of canoe slalom and performance coaching. Be ready to discuss specific techniques, training methods, and how you can help athletes reach their potential. Showing that you understand the sport inside out will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Coaching Style
Prepare to share examples of your coaching experiences, especially those that highlight your ability to inspire and motivate athletes. Think about times when you've successfully developed a training programme or resolved conflicts within a team. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and adaptability.
✨Get Familiar with the Universities
Since you'll be working closely with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, do a bit of research on their sports programmes and values. Mentioning how you can align your coaching strategies with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the institutions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the future direction of the England Slalom Talent Programme or how they measure success in athlete development. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.