At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and engage participants in various sports programmes while building community relationships.
- Company: Join Colchester United Community Foundation, the official charity of Colchester United Football Club.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the lives of young people through sports and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports coaching and a passion for participant safety and engagement.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on community and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Colchester United Community Foundation (CUCF) is the official charity of Colchester United Football Club, delivering high quality Participation, Health & Inclusion, and Education Programmes to 10,000 children, young people, and adults across the region each week.
CUCF is looking to appoint a professional, dedicated, and confident Sports Participation Officer on a full‑time basis to join our Community Team (Full Time 40 hours).
Responsibilities- Coaching across programmes from Schools, Skills Centre, Holiday programmes, Development Centre, Post 16 Football College Football programme and other CUCF programmes.
- Leading on sign‑ups of new participants, retention of existing participants and engagement with parents and guardians.
- Developing relationships with local grassroots clubs and schools and enriching the CUCF experience.
- Overcoming obstacles and challenges while engaging participants, parents/guardians and colleagues, and creating progression pathways within CUCF.
- Professional experience in sports coaching and participation programmes.
- Strong commitment to high‑quality coaching, participant safety and positive engagement.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with participants, families and partner organisations.
Application information: Please apply with a CV and Covering Letter. Note that the job will be subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks.
Closing Date: Thursday 12th February 2026 (applications may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found).
Interview Dates: WC 16th & 23rd February 2026.
Start Date: Monday 30th March 2026 or earlier if available.
For further details, please contact cucf@colchesterunited.net (FAO: Joe Hart).
Sports Participation Officer in Colchester employer: Colchester United
Contact Detail:
Colchester United Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Participation Officer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Colchester United Community Foundation and their programmes. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to work there and might even refer you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to sports coaching and participant engagement. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Participation Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Sports Participation Officer role. Highlight your coaching experience and any work with community programmes to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sports participation and how you can contribute to CUCF's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with participants, parents, and local clubs, make sure your application demonstrates your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester United
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the various programmes CUCF offers, like the Skills Centre and Holiday programmes. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past coaching experiences that highlight your commitment to participant safety and engagement. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your ability to connect with participants and their families.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can develop relationships with local grassroots clubs and schools. Be ready to share ideas on how you would enrich the CUCF experience and engage with the community effectively.
✨Prepare for Challenges
Anticipate potential challenges you might face in the role, such as participant retention or engaging parents. Have strategies in mind to overcome these obstacles, showcasing your problem-solving skills and proactive approach.