Assistant Youth Rowing Coach in Cheshire, Chester

Queen's Park Chester Rowing Club is a volunteer-run organization located on the south side of the River Dee in Chester. The club is committed to making rowing accessible to as many children and young people as possible, including those who might not normally have the opportunity to participate. By offering inclusive programs, the club aims to develop confidence, teamwork, and a love of sport in its youth members. Prospective team members will join a supportive community environment focused on safety, skill development, and enjoyment of rowing. The club values coaches who share its passion for youth development and broadening access to rowing.

Rowing to Success is an innovative programme led by Love Rowing in partnership with Dee-based rowing clubs, designed to support young people in Chester by improving their mental well-being, life skills, and aspirations through the sport of rowing. The programme focuses on young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and young disabled children, aiming to address challenges such as low aspirations, poor mental health, and health inequalities. The Assistant Youth Rowing Coach will play a pivotal role in delivering the programme’s activities, inspiring young people to engage in rowing, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.

Role Description

The Assistant Youth Rowing Coach will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the Rowing to Success programme, combining both rowing coaching and youth work to create a positive, inclusive, and rewarding experience for all participants. The post holder will work directly with young people to inspire them to take part in rowing, develop their skills, and overcome any barriers they face. They will also work closely with schools, parents, and guardians to ensure the programme meets the needs of the participants and encourages long-term engagement. This is not just a traditional coaching role; it’s an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young people, fostering a love for rowing while promoting personal development, wellbeing, team-building, and life skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery of Rowing to Success Programme
• Deliver indoor and water-based rowing sessions for young people, ensuring that each session is safe, engaging, and meets the developmental needs of participants.
• Ensure rowing activities are inclusive and accessible for young people with diverse needs, including those with disabilities.
• Work with participants individually and as part of a team to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Youth Development & Support
• Act as a mentor and positive role model for participants, offering guidance, encouragement, and support.
• Build strong relationships with young people, inspiring them to engage in rowing, raise their aspirations, and believe in their abilities.
• Support young people’s personal development, helping them improve key life skills such as communication, resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence.
• Provide pastoral care and guidance to participants, ensuring they feel supported in all aspects of their development.
• Inclusion & Accessibility
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all young people, regardless of background or ability.
• Foster an atmosphere of respect and teamwork, ensuring that every participant has an opportunity to succeed and feel part of the programme.
• Identify and address any barriers to participation, working with schools, parents, and guardians to ensure young people stay engaged with the programme.
• Collaboration with Schools & Partners
• Work closely with schools, parents, and guardians to ensure the smooth running of the programme, including managing logistics such as transport, equipment, and scheduling.
• Work in partnership with the Lead Coach and Club Welfare Lead to ensure all participants’ needs are met, both in terms of coaching and welfare.
• Coaching & Training Development
• Attend regular training sessions and development opportunities to enhance personal coaching skills, such as participating in Youth Worker Qualifications or other relevant professional development opportunities.
• Youth Leadership & Development (applicable from 2028)
• Deliver the Youth Leadership programme for students in years 10-12, aimed at improving the skills and employability of young people through coaching training and leadership development.
• Facilitate the ongoing development of future rowing coaches and leaders in partnership with the Dee-side clubs.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment
• Assist in the administration of participant evaluations and surveys to monitor progress and impact.
• Support the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the programme, providing feedback to ensure that the programme evolves to meet the needs of young participants.
• Track and report on participant progress, attendance, and engagement, using data to improve the programme’s effectiveness.
• Health and Safety Compliance
• Ensure that all rowing sessions and activities comply with safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance regulations.
• Maintain the safety of all participants during sessions, ensuring equipment and facilities are well-maintained and fit for purpose.
• Regularly check and ensure that all necessary risk assessments are completed for activities, outings, and events.
• Equipment Management & Maintenance
• Ensure the safe and appropriate use of rowing equipment, and assist with its regular maintenance and upkeep.
• Work alongside the Lead Youth Coach to ensure that additional equipment is available to support young and disabled participants.

Required Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.
• Proven experience in rowing coaching or sports coaching with young people.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with young people, parents, and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate training sessions.
• A passionate commitment to youth development and the power of sport to change lives.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment where all young people feel supported and valued.
• Patience, empathy, and adaptability in responding to the needs of different participants.
• Flexible and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Rowing coaching qualification (e.g., British Rowing Level 2 or higher).
• Youth Worker Qualification or equivalent experience in youth work or social development.
• Experience working with disabled young people or those with special educational needs.
• A driving licence and the ability to drive a minibus (if required for transport duties).
• First Aid Qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Familiarity with rowing equipment maintenance.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and Motivated: Passionate about inspiring and developing young people through the sport of rowing.
• Adaptable and Resilient: Able to respond to challenges and create solutions that meet individual and group needs.
• Approachable and Supportive: A positive role model who builds strong, trusting relationships with participants.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Dedicated to making rowing accessible to all young people, regardless of background or ability.

Other Information

• This is a part-time role with 20 hours per week, requiring flexibility, including some evenings and weekends, to accommodate training sessions and events.
• The role is based in Chester or within commuting distance, with occasional travel to schools and other venues.
• The Assistant Youth Rowing Coach will be provided with a personalised annual training plan and a training budget to support ongoing professional development.
• The role is subject to a DBS check and ongoing safeguarding training.