At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the physical development of U15 rugby players through coaching and training sessions.
- Company: Join the Harlequins Academy, a leading rugby programme dedicated to youth development.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable coaching experience in a professional environment while making a difference.
- Other info: Commit to Monday evenings; voluntary role starting August 2026.
- Why this job: Perfect for aspiring coaches wanting hands-on experience and to shape future rugby talent.
- Qualifications: BSc in Strength & Conditioning or related field; passion for youth athletic development.
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic volunteer Athletic Development Coach to support the physical development of players within the Harlequins U15 Academy Programme. This placement offers an excellent opportunity for an aspiring coach to gain practical experience within a professional academy environment while contributing to the long‑term athletic development of emerging rugby talent.
The successful candidate will work closely with academy staff to deliver and support structured athletic development sessions, focusing on building robust, well‑rounded athletes through evidence‑based training principles. The role will involve consistent on‑field coaching and player support throughout the season. Given the nature of this role and the individuals you will be working with (U18’s), it will be subject to detailed reference checks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend and support the Harlequins U15s training sessions throughout the season.
- Deliver on‑field athletic development coaching aligned with Harlequins LTAD curriculum.
- Assist in player screening and testing when required.
- On field support during rugby sessions to coaching staff/academy athletic development coach.
- Collaborate with academy coaches and performance staff to ensure an integrated development approach.
- Contribute to creating an engaging, professional, and player‑centred training environment.
- Possess a detailed understanding of and commitment to the highest levels of safeguarding to ensure the best and safest environment for everyone that comes into contact with Quins.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed:
Essential:
- BSc in Strength & Conditioning, Sport Science, Coaching, or a related discipline.
- Strong interest in youth athletic development and rugby union.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Reliable, professional, and able to commit to regular weekly attendance.
- Understanding of long‑term athletic development principles.
- Full UK driving license.
- Clean enhanced DBS check.
Desirable:
- Currently completing a MSc Strength & Conditioning or a related discipline.
- Experience working with youth athletes or team sports environments.
- Clear understanding of LTAD.
- Current First Aid and safeguarding certification (or willingness to obtain).
Placement Details:
- Programme: Harlequins Academy
- Location: Cobham, Tooting & Mitchem, Cardinal Newman, Horsham, Ravenswood, Horsham
- Commitment: Monday evenings throughout the academy season
- Remuneration: Voluntary position
- Start Date: August 2026 – Exact Date TBC
How to Apply:
Please click APPLY NOW to send your CV and Cover Letter to our team.
Volunteer Academy Athletic Development Coach employer: Harlequins
Harlequins offers a unique opportunity for aspiring coaches to immerse themselves in a professional academy environment, fostering the development of young rugby talent. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and player-centred training, volunteers will benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and the chance to contribute to a vibrant sporting community in Cobham. This role not only enhances coaching skills but also promotes personal growth within a supportive and dynamic atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Academy Athletic Development Coach
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Events
Dive headfirst into your local sports scene! Volunteer at local tournaments or community sports days. It’s a brilliant way to network with professionals in sports-recreation-management and gain hands-on experience that'll make your application stand out.
✨Join Sports Volunteer Groups
Check out community groups and social media platforms for volunteer opportunities. Many times, there are dedicated Facebook groups or Meetup events where people in the sports industry look for enthusiastic volunteers. Being part of these communities can help you tap into hidden opportunities!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Use social media to showcase your passion for sports. Share posts about events you’ve volunteered at, and tag relevant organisations or professionals you work with. This will help boost your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field!
✨Don’t Shy Away from Networking
When you're out volunteering, chat with everyone—coaches, refs, participants. Ask about their experiences and any advice they might have for someone looking to break into sports-recreation-management. You never know who might have tips or connections that lead to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Academy Athletic Development Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:When you're applying for a volunteer role in sports recreation management, it’s super important to let your passion for sports shine through in your application. Be sure to include any relevant personal achievements or experiences that highlight your love for sports, whether that's playing, coaching, or even just being an avid fan!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if it's volunteer work or part-time gigs, make sure to document any experience that relates to sports or managing activities. Include roles where you've coordinated teams, organised events, or worked with youth programs, as these showcase your leadership and organisational skills that are key in this field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Your CV should reflect not just your work experience but also your community involvement. Mention any volunteer roles or community service you've done, especially if it’s related to sports. This shows that you care about the industry and are eager to contribute, making you an attractive candidate for Harlequins.
Use Your Cover Letter to Share Your Goals:This is where you can really express why you want to volunteer with Harlequins. Talk about your aspirations in sports recreation management and how this role aligns with your career plans. Demonstrating your motivation and willingness to learn will really resonate with the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harlequins
✨Get Familiar with Sports Management Concepts
Understanding the core concepts of sports management is key, especially as a volunteer. Brush up on topics like event planning, team dynamics, and fan engagement strategies. You might want to bring a few examples of successful sports events or initiatives you've been involved with, even if they were just personal projects.
✨Show Your Passion for Sports and Community
Since this is a volunteer role, your passion for sports and engagement with the community matters a lot. Share any previous volunteering experiences related to sports or community events to show your enthusiasm. This helps the team at Harlequins see how invested you are in making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Interactive Scenarios
Interviews for sports management roles often include situational questions or role-playing scenarios. Practice how you'd handle common challenges, like resolving conflicts in a team or promoting an event—think about how you can demonstrate your interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities in these contexts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Team Spirit
Volunteering often means wearing multiple hats and being adaptable. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others, take initiative, and step in where needed. Share stories that reflect your teamwork and commitment to the overall mission of the Harlequins. It’s all about showing that you’re a team player who can jump into any role!
