At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Women’s 1XI/2XI teams with engaging training and match preparation.
- Company: Join West Hampstead Hockey Club, a vibrant community-focused club in North West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, potential accommodation, and support for coaching qualifications.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, inclusive culture while helping players reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching at a comparable level; enthusiasm and strong communication skills are key.
- Other info: Open to all coaching backgrounds; apply early as we review applications on a rolling basis.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, capable and committed Head Coach to lead our talented performance squad (1XI/2XI) for the 2025/26 season and beyond. After a successful few seasons with our previous coach, we are excited to welcome a new coach with fresh ideas to build on already strong foundations.
About the club: West Hampstead Hockey Club (WHHC) is a vibrant and inclusive member-led club in North West London, with more than 250 active members playing at all levels in the London Area league. We pride ourselves on our club culture, putting enjoyment and community at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to developing players of all skill levels and giving every player the opportunity to play to the highest standard they wish to, including performance level. We combine our love for hockey and socialising with an active playing calendar across the year. In addition to the league fixtures, we participate in various cup competitions, summer leagues, multiple tours and put on casual mixed open days at our pitches in Brent Cross. During the season we make full use of our clubhouse in the heart of West Hampstead and have a packed social calendar.
About the teams: The Women’s 1st XI were promoted to London Women's Premier Division for the 2024/25 season and have had a fantastic debut, finishing mid-table and putting them in prime position to consolidate their position in the league and maintain this standard of hockey in the coming seasons. The Women’s 2nd XI play in London Division 2 North and have consistently finished in the top half of the table over the past few years. While goals will always be set in collaboration with a team/squad at the start of a season, closing the gap between our 1XI and 2XI teams is a key priority for the club.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and deliver a training and development programme for the 2025/26 season which includes pre-season training & fixtures, weekly training and adhoc video/whiteboard sessions.
- Prepare for and attend matches every Saturday, liaising with the Assistant Coach to ensure both teams are supported.
- Foster a positive culture that maintains a cohesive, motivated and high performing squad, allowing everyone to play to the best of their ability whilst having fun.
- Work closely with the wider coaches and captains in the Women’s Club to maintain a unified coaching philosophy across the club and support talent progression.
- Manage selection in line with the Club's Selection Policy and alongside team captains & the Assistant Coach.
- Analyse match performance, using video where possible, to inform coaching decisions.
- Act as an ambassador for West Hampstead Hockey Club, representing the club's values at all times.
Key attributes:
- Proven ability to coach at a comparable level;
- Strong communication and people skills;
- Energy and enthusiasm for the role;
- Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
Whilst coaching qualifications are an important part of a development toolkit, we recognise that everybody comes to coaching in different ways, and are therefore open to receiving applications from coaches without recognised qualifications. However, please note, that we are unable to provide support with visa applications.
Remuneration: A competitive package is dependent on experience and qualifications. Accommodation in West Hampstead and financial contributions towards coaching qualifications/flights can be discussed as part of the overall package. We are always keen to welcome talented individuals to our club. If this role doesn't seem like the right fit for you, we still encourage you to explore other opportunities with us. Feel free to express your interest, and we will get back to you.
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter to us. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early if we appoint a suitable candidate, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Head Coach - Women’s 1XI/2XI Teams employer: England and Great Britain Hockey
Contact Detail:
England and Great Britain Hockey Recruiting Team
applications@whhc.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Coach - Women’s 1XI/2XI Teams
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with West Hampstead Hockey Club's culture and values. Understanding the club's commitment to enjoyment and community will help you align your coaching philosophy with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former members of WHHC. Engaging with players and coaches can provide valuable insights into the club's dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for bridging the gap between the 1XI and 2XI teams. Having a clear strategy on how to develop players and enhance team cohesion will demonstrate your commitment to the club's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for both coaching and community engagement. Highlight any previous experiences where you've fostered a positive team environment or contributed to social activities, as this aligns with WHHC's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach - Women’s 1XI/2XI Teams
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Club's Values: Before writing your application, take some time to understand the culture and values of West Hampstead Hockey Club. Highlight how your coaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to enjoyment, community, and inclusivity.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your coaching experience relevant to the role. Include specific achievements, such as team performance improvements or successful training programmes you've implemented, to demonstrate your capability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the club. Discuss your vision for the teams and how you plan to foster a positive culture while developing players at all levels. Be sure to mention any innovative ideas you have for training and development.
Highlight Key Attributes: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your strong communication skills, energy, and commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully built cohesive teams in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at England and Great Britain Hockey
✨Show Your Passion for Hockey
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the sport and the club. Share your personal experiences with hockey, how it has shaped you, and why you want to coach at West Hampstead Hockey Club specifically.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Philosophy
Be prepared to discuss your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with the club's values. Highlight your approach to fostering a positive team culture and how you plan to develop players of varying skill levels.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing team dynamics or addressing performance issues. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember that interviews are a two-way street. Ask insightful questions about the club's goals, the team's current dynamics, and how you can contribute to their success. This shows your genuine interest in the role.