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- Tasks: Lead and deliver the Women's Water Polo programme, ensuring high-quality coaching and athlete recruitment.
- Company: Join the University of Nottingham, a top-rated sports university with a £40m Sports Village.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible training hours and the chance to work with talented athletes in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a championship-winning team and contribute to an outstanding student experience in sports.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 2 coaching qualification and valid public liability insurance.
- Other info: Contract runs from September 2025 to June 2026, with training sessions on various days.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Closing date: 8 August 2025
Location: Nottingham
Region: East Midlands
Employment type: Contract
Salary: Commensurate to experience.
Description
The University of Nottingham has invested significantly in its sporting infrastructure, with a £40m Sports Village and substantial investment in its coaching and club development support for its 74 sports clubs and 150+ active teams. The University were awarded The Sunday Times Good University Guide Sports University of the Year in 2019, 2021 and 2024. We are looking for a Head Coach who can deliver the Women\’s Water Polo programme in line with our Vision for Sport, to deliver sustained performance success and outstanding student experience. The Women\’s Head Coach will work closely with our Men’s Head Coach to lead and deliver our performance programmes in the 2025/2026 BUCS season.
This includes planning and delivery of training, coaching on selected match days, supporting the recruitment of athletes and club development. The Women’s 1st team are the current BUCS National Champions and a performance sport at the university, striving for continued excellence through delivering high quality coaching to provide a standard of training that is unmatched by any other university in the country. The team comprises of a mixture of home and international students aged 18-27 with a range of Water Polo experience.
Contract details: The contract dates are September 2025 – June 2026. The BUCS season runs between September 2025 – March 2026, with all matches taking place on a Wednesday afternoon and the occasional weekend fixture.
Contract Value: Approximately 150 hours delivery, training and selected match days, commensurate to experience.
– Minimum of a Level 2 coaching qualification.
– Hold valid and appropriate public liability insurance.
Training days & times: – Tuesday: 7:00-9:00am & 9:00-10:30pm – Wednesdays 1-3pm (including travel on Wednesdays to Sheffield, Durham, Edinburgh etc.) – Thursday & Saturday: 4:00-6:00pm – Sunday: 5:00-6:00pm & 9:00-10:30pm. Although the ideal candidate would be able to make all training session, but there is flexibility within this.
Selection Process: Successful candidates will be invited to an interview in August 2025 and observed delivering a coaching session w/c: 1st September.
Contact Us: If interested in applying or wish to have a chat about the role please send your CV and a cover letter including your expected rate of pay for coaching delivery hours and admin hours via email to Lyn Winkworth (lyn.winkworth@nottingham.ac.uk).
This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas & Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
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Head Coach - Women\'s Water Polo employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
Contact Detail:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Coach - Women\'s Water Polo
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Nottingham's sporting ethos and recent achievements. Understanding their Vision for Sport and how they have excelled in BUCS competitions will help you align your coaching philosophy with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current coaches and athletes within the university's sports community. Engaging with them can provide insights into the team's dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview and coaching demonstration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a coaching session plan that showcases your ability to develop athletes at various skill levels. Highlighting your experience in training both home and international students will demonstrate your versatility and understanding of diverse coaching needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to athlete recruitment and club development. Having a clear strategy on how to attract and retain talent will show your commitment to enhancing the Women’s Water Polo programme at the university.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach - Women\'s Water Polo
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Coach position. Highlight your relevant experience in coaching, particularly in water polo, and how it aligns with the university's vision for sport.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that specifically highlights your coaching qualifications, experience, and any achievements in water polo. Make sure to include your Level 2 coaching qualification and any relevant public liability insurance details.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for coaching and your vision for the Women's Water Polo programme. Mention your expected rate of pay clearly and relate your coaching philosophy to the university's goals for sustained performance success.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your coaching strategies and how you would enhance the student experience. Consider preparing a brief outline of a training session you would deliver, as you may be observed during a coaching session.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
✨Showcase Your Coaching Philosophy
Be prepared to discuss your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the university's Vision for Sport. Highlight your approach to developing athletes and fostering a positive team culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Bring examples of your previous coaching experiences, especially in water polo or similar sports. Discuss specific achievements, such as improving team performance or developing individual players.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstration
Since the selection process includes observing a coaching session, plan a short training session that showcases your coaching style. Focus on key skills and drills relevant to the women's water polo programme.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
During the interview, engage actively with the panel. Ask insightful questions about the team's goals and challenges, showing your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
