At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coach the Development Squad in rowing, fostering competitive spirit and teamwork.
- Company: Furnivall Sculling Club, the oldest women's rowing club in the UK with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, flexible hours, and the chance to shape future rowers.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and support in gaining coaching qualifications.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a real impact on aspiring rowers' journeys.
- Qualifications: Coaching experience, knowledge of rowing, and a passion for developing talent.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 25 £ per hour.
Furnivall Sculling Club is seeking to recruit a Coach to lead our very successful Development Squad and continue our journey to rebuild our historic sculling and sweep rowing club to competitiveness over the next 3 – 5 years.
Furnivall is a vibrant club with over 125 years of history based in Hammersmith. As the oldest women’s rowing club in the country, Furnivall has a reputation for offering a competitive yet inclusive environment for our >180 members. Teaching adults to row competitively has been a key part of the Furnivall ethos since the club’s inception in 1896. We pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive club, enabling longevity and flexibility in our members’ rowing careers while supporting them in reaching their maximum potential.
Our Development Squad typically consists of 30 – 40 members drawn from our yearly Learn to Row courses as well as externally recruited rowers in the first 1 – 2 years of their rowing careers, typically fielding 1 – 2 men’s and women’s 8s in the yearly head races. The past three years have been very successful, with the club’s novice women returning the fastest novice club time in WeHORR 2023 and Quintin Head 2024, and rowers from our 2022 Development Squad qualifying a 4+ at HRR this year. We aim to build on this success with our new Learn to Row graduates and returning Development Squad rowers.
We are seeking a squad coach to lead and coach the Development Squad in both sweep rowing and sculling under the leadership of our Head Coach, John Hickling, from August 2025. This is a role suited both to coaches in the early years of their coaching careers looking to take responsibility for a whole squad for perhaps the first time, as well as more experienced coaches that are passionate about enabling adults to take up the sport.
Key Responsibilities:- Establishing the groundworks of excellence in our Development Squad rowers to prepare them for a successful rowing career in the Furnivall Racing Squads and beyond, specifically embedding competitive spirit and accountability.
- Ensuring positive team behaviours and a supportive and enjoyable training environment.
- Teaching good technique in rowing and sculling.
- Laying the foundations for good navigation and steering.
- Setting and adjusting the squad’s training plan together with the Head Coach.
- Setting the squad’s racing programme together with the Head Coach and Club Captain.
- Setting crews for training and racing.
- Managing the involvement of the session and volunteer coaches assigned to the squad by the Head Coach and Club Captain and your own diary to cover the following coached sessions for the squad:
- Water sessions Saturday & Sunday 12:30 – 15:00 (please note, this will likely shift to mornings in regatta season as next year’s Learn to Row courses start and we put out joint crews between the top end of Development & bottom end of Senior Squad).
- 2 weekday evening ergo sessions (precise days and times TBC with Head Coach).
- 1 weekday strength and conditioning session (precise day and time TBC with Head Coach).
- Together with the Head Coach and squad captains, organising and running the yearly Development Squad training camp.
- Accompanying Development Squad crews to local and away regattas and head races.
- Together with the Head Coach and Racing Squad coaches, deciding which Development Squad rowers will “graduate” to the senior racing squads at set times of the season.
- Supporting the running of the Spring and Summer 2026 Learn to Row courses.
- Encouraging and managing Development Squad volunteering activities (e.g. boat house tidy day, contribution to running club-wide fundraising events, boat maintenance days etc.).
Remuneration will be provided at an hourly rate in line with experience, typically between £15 – £25 per hour.
Preferred experience includes:- 2 years coaching experience.
- Experience of coaching novice rowers.
- Experience of coaching both sweep rowing and sculling.
- Good understanding of rowing, navigation, and safety on the Tideway.
- Launch driving experience, ideally RYA Level 2 or equivalent (however, we can support you in acquiring this).
- British Rowing Level 2 Coaching certificate or equivalent (however, we can support you in acquiring this).
We are looking for a coach who shares our vision to help the club grow and support all squad members in reaching their maximum potential. If you have a passion for coaching and want to help us continue the development of the squad then please submit a CV / outline of your coaching experience and skills, with references, to Captain Evelyn Tichy at captain@furnivall.org. If you would like an informal chat about the role please contact Head Coach John Hickling, on headcoach@furnivall.org to arrange a call. Please provide the names of two references with your application.
Salary: Remuneration will be provided at an hourly rate in line with experience, typically between £15 - £25 per hour.
Type: Session (10 - 12 hours per week)
Application Dates: From Wednesday 2nd July 2025 to Wednesday 30th July 2025.
Furnivall Sculling Club – Development Squad Coach employer: British Rowing
Furnivall Sculling Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates over 125 years of rowing history in Hammersmith. As a coach, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate Development Squad, fostering both competitive spirit and personal growth while enjoying flexible working hours and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our members. With a commitment to diversity and support for your coaching journey, Furnivall provides a unique environment where you can thrive and help others reach their maximum potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Furnivall Sculling Club – Development Squad Coach
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Events
Find local sports events or community recreation activities in your area and offer to volunteer. This is a fantastic way to network with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and show your commitment to the field. Plus, it could lead directly to job opportunities in organisations like British Rowing!
✨Join Sports Management Associations
Consider joining sports management associations or local clubs related to your interests—these often have member directories or job boards. Engaging with these communities can help you learn about part-time roles and connect with key people who might point you towards open positions at places such as British Rowing.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re currently studying or recently graduated, don’t overlook your uni’s career services! They often have tailored resources for landing part-time roles in sports management and can help you with personalised advice, job listings, and even intro opportunities to employers like British Rowing.
✨Boost Your Online Presence
Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your interest in sports and recreation management. Share any relevant experiences or passion projects related to sports, and join LinkedIn groups focused on the industry. This can help raise your visibility in the field and may catch the eye of hiring managers at British Rowing!
We think you need these skills to ace Furnivall Sculling Club – Development Squad Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:When applying for a role in sports recreation management, let your love for sports shine through in your CV and cover letter. Share any experiences you have managing teams, coordinating events, or working in sports facilities. This enthusiasm is infectious and is sure to catch the eye of the hiring team at British Rowing.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to sports management, first aid, or coaching, make sure to list them prominently. These qualifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your preparedness for the responsibilities of the job. Don't forget to mention any practical training that shows you're ready to jump in at British Rowing.
Flexibility and Availability is Key:For part-time roles, availability can be a big plus. Mention your schedule clearly in your application, showing you're ready to work weekends or evenings if needed. This will help British Rowing see you as a reliable choice who can fit in with their staffing needs.
Tailor Your Experience to the Role:When crafting your CV and cover letter, align your previous experiences with the specific requirements of the role at British Rowing. If you've coordinated sports leagues, organised events, or managed budgets, make sure those get the spotlight. This way, you can clearly show how you're the perfect fit for their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In sports recreation management, it's all about engaging with people—be it clients, team members, or event participants. During the interview with British Rowing, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully handled diverse groups and fostered positive experiences in recreational settings.
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
From managing sports facilities to understanding recreational programming, don’t forget the technical aspects of the role. Prepare to discuss specific software or tools you’ve used for scheduling events or managing participants, as this shows you're ready for the part-time responsibilities you'll be taking on at British Rowing.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Sports
As this is a part-time role, passion counts for a lot! Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for sports and recreation in the interview. Talk about your experience with recreational activities—anything from coaching to volunteering—to help British Rowing see the personal investment you've got in the field.
✨Think About Your Flexibility
With part-time roles, it’s essential to demonstrate your availability and adaptability. Be ready to discuss your schedule and how you can adjust to the needs of British Rowing. Share examples of how you’ve successfully balanced other commitments while pursuing your passion for sports—it’ll show you’re a reliable choice for them.
