Youth Development Lead

Reports To: GBSUP Board of Directors

Location: Remote / Home‑based with expected travel to key events and meetings across the UK.

Role Type: Voluntary position. Reasonable, pre‑agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per week, with flexibility required. Availability will likely need to increase around key events and race weekends.

Application Date: 31/10/2025

Role Purpose: To champion and spearhead the development of youth stand‑up paddleboarding within the GBSUP framework. The Youth Development Lead will be the primary coordinator for all junior‑based activities, creating a clear and supportive pathway for young athletes. This role is pivotal in our collaboration with Paddle UK, BSUPA, Surfing England, and other key stakeholders to foster growth, increase participation, and nurture the next generation of SUP talent in the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Pathway Development: Work with the GBSUP Board and partner organisations (Paddle UK, BSUPA, Surfing England) to develop and implement a national Junior Development Strategy. Research and analyse successful youth programmes in complementary sports (e.g., surf lifesaving, kayaking) to identify best practices and lessons that can be adapted and implemented for GBSUP. Define and promote a clear competitive pathway for junior athletes, from grassroots participation to performance level. Work with coaches and clubs to establish a clear talent identification process, signposting athletes towards further development opportunities.
• Event & Activity Coordination: Act as the main point of contact for junior categories at all GBSUP national series events. Collaborate with event organisers to ensure junior races are safe, fair, and appropriate for the age and skill level of participants. Oversee the development and viability of a junior event calendar across local, club, and national levels, supporting organisers to ensure sustainability. Facilitate and organise junior‑specific events under the GBSUP banner, such as a specific Junior National Championships if this is deemed viable. Explore and develop opportunities for youth‑specific training days, development camps, and non‑competitive SUP events.
• Community & Program Growth: Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive community for all junior paddlers and their families. Identify barriers to participation and propose initiatives to make the junior programme more accessible and inclusive. Identify and establish partnerships with established youth activity providers, clubs, and schools to create new opportunities for junior paddlers and integrate SUP into their offerings. Facilitate occasional workshops or resources for parents and coaches to support athlete development. Manage dedicated communication channels for the junior community, e.g., a section of the GBSUP website, a dedicated social media group, or newsletter updates.
• Leadership & Sustainability: Build and lead a small team of volunteers to assist with specific youth development initiatives, delegating tasks where appropriate. Explore potential funding streams, such as small grants or local sponsorships, to support the junior programme's long‑term sustainability. Represent GBSUP in meetings and working groups related to youth sport development with Paddle UK, BSUPA, Surfing England, and other relevant bodies. Provide regular updates and reports to the GBSUP Board on the progress of youth development initiatives.
• Safeguarding & Welfare: Work closely with the GBSUP Safeguarding Officer to ensure all junior activities adhere to the highest standards of child welfare and protection. Promote and uphold all safeguarding policies and procedures at GBSUP events and activities.

Requirements:

• A genuine passion for stand‑up paddleboarding and a strong desire to support youth development in sport.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with young people, parents, coaches, and officials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• An understanding of the principles of safeguarding and child welfare.
• Willingness to undertake a DBS check.
• Previous experience in a sports development role, particularly with a youth focus.
• Experience volunteering or working within a sports club or governing body.
• A Paddle UK, BSUPA (or equivalent) SUP coaching or leadership qualification.
• A valid First Aid certificate.
• Existing network within the UK paddlesports community.