At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the WAG squad programme while enhancing coaching standards.
- Company: Join Abingdon Gymnastics Club, a thriving community sports organisation with 700+ members.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious team entering an exciting new phase of growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a senior role at a respected gymnastics club.
- Qualifications: British Gymnastics Level 5 or equivalent experience, strong coaching background required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Abingdon Gymnastics Club is one of Oxfordshire’s leading, not for profit, community sports organisations, with 700+ members training every week, a wholly owned, dedicated 11,500 sq ft facility and site and an annual turnover in excess of £400,000. As we proudly approach our 50th anniversary, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth and development. We are now seeking two new roles, a commercially minded Head of Operations and a Head Coach, to lead this high performing club into its next chapter.
This is a rare opportunity for a Head of Operations to take full strategic and operational ownership of a thriving organisation and oversee and improve the overall commercial direction of the club. The Head Coach will step straight into ownership of an established and successful WAG High Performance programme, while also overseeing Tumbling and Team Gym competitive pathways.
The Role
We are now seeking an experienced and motivated Head Coach to lead our WAG squad programme, while also playing a key role in shaping the wider coaching programme. This is an excellent opportunity for either an established or ambitious Coach ready to step up into a senior role, with the ability and motivation to influence both competitive success and improve the overall quality of the club’s coaching standards.
As Head Coach, you will lead the delivery and development of our squad programmes while contributing to high standards across all areas of gymnastics delivery throughout the club. You will work across performance and participation, ensuring every gymnast benefits from structured, high‑quality coaching and clear progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive training environment
- Lead squad training sessions with high technical and professional standards
- Support competition preparation and attendance at Regional, National and International competitions and training camps
- Mentor, support, and develop the wider coaching team
- Develop and deliver clear, structured competition pathways
- Create and oversee gymnast development frameworks across all levels
- Support and enhance participation programmes, ensuring quality and consistency
About You
This role is ideal for an experienced gymnastics Head Coach looking to take the next step, or an existing Coach seeking a broader, more strategic role into leadership. You will bring:
- British Gymnastics Level 5 (or working towards, or equivalent experience considered)
- Strong coaching experience across squad and/or recreational programmes
- A passion for both performance and participation development
- Evidence of supporting gymnast progression and retention
- The ability to lead, mentor, and develop other coaches
- A positive, professional approach with a high standard of delivery
Most importantly, you will be motivated to be part of a senior leadership Team and make a lasting impact on the club.
Salary & Benefits
- Holiday: 31 days annual leave including public holidays
- Flexibility: Working pattern to be agreed and will include evenings and some weekends
Why Join Us?
- Immediate responsibility for the existing WAG High‑Performance programme
- Opportunity to step into a senior leadership role in a large, established club
- Be part of an ambitious club entering a new phase of development
- Influence the direction, standards, and culture of coaching
- Work in a dedicated, well‑equipped facility with a strong membership base
Abingdon Gymnastics Club - Head Coach - Level 5 employer: Hendon Gymnastics Club
Abingdon Gymnastics Club is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a thriving community sports organisation with a strong focus on both performance and participation. With a commitment to professional development, a supportive work culture, and a well-equipped facility, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gymnastics in Oxfordshire while enjoying generous benefits such as 31 days of annual leave and flexible working patterns.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Abingdon Gymnastics Club - Head Coach - Level 5
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Abingdon Gymnastics Club - Head Coach - Level 5
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Hendon Gymnastics Club aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hendon Gymnastics Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Hendon Gymnastics Club, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
