At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop young forwards in the Junior Academy programme.
- Company: Join Sale Sharks Rugby Club, a leading name in rugby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth into a Lead Coach position.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' development and future careers.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years coaching experience and England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award.
Organisation: Sale Sharks Rugby Club
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sale Sharks Training Ground, Carrington, Manchester
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 19 July 2026
Interview date: 3 August 2026
Overview
The Role — To coach across the Junior Academy pathway, leading the forwards programme for the U16, U17 and U18 age groups. The successful candidate will work with registered England Academy Players (EAPs), support the delivery of our partner ACE College programmes, and contribute to the ongoing development of players within the Sale Sharks Academy. The ideal candidate will have experience of developing young players within a performance environment and demonstrate a proven expertise in coaching forwards. The successful candidate will be primarily based at the Club's main training venue in Carrington; however, the role will require regular travel to partner colleges, Myerscough College and Ashton Sixth Form College, and other club, school, community, and match venues as necessary. The post holder must be willing and able to travel within the region and occasionally further afield to support training sessions, fixtures, tournaments, and rugby development activities.
Travel: Reasonable and pre-approved business travel expenses incurred in the course of duties will be reimbursed in line with the Club's expenses policy. Normal travel between home and the primary place of work will not be reimbursed. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver and review coaching sessions across the U16, U17 and U18 Junior Academy programme.
- Lead, implement and review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all forwards across the U16–U18 age groups, liaising with players, parents, coaches and other relevant stakeholders.
- Observe and monitor the progress of England Academy Players (EAPs), working in partnership with England Academy coaches to support their development towards national team selection.
- Conduct pre-season, mid-season and end-of-season player reviews alongside the Junior Academy Manager and wider academy staff.
- Support the planning and delivery of the ACE Rugby Programme in conjunction with coaching staff at Myerscough College and Ashton Sixth Form College.
- Maintain, strengthen and develop relationships with Sale Sharks Academy partner schools and colleges.
- Assist with the identification, recruitment and retention of talented players from across the Sale Sharks Academy region.
- Contribute to the continued development of the Junior Academy programme and wider player pathway.
Development Opportunity
There is potential opportunity for progression into a Lead Coach role within the Junior Academy programme, specifically leading the U17 age group.
Additional Responsibilities
- Work unsociable hours as required, including evenings, weekends, early mornings and bank holidays.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by management that are commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. In consultation with the post holder, duties may be amended to reflect changes in organisational priorities or the needs of the Academy. This role is subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and all relevant safeguarding procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
- England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 2–3 years' coaching experience.
- Experience of coaching and developing young players within a performance pathway.
- Current RFU DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain).
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- England Rugby Performance Coaching Award (or equivalent).
- Experience of working within a professional academy, ACE College or high-performance school environment.
- Experience of implementing Individual Development Plans within a player development programme.
Junior Academy Coach (Forwards) in Manchester employer: Sale Sharks Rugby Club
Sale Sharks Rugby Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where passion for rugby meets professional development. Located in Carrington, Manchester, the club fosters a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and opportunities to work with elite players. With a commitment to excellence and community engagement, joining the Sale Sharks means being part of a team that values both personal and professional achievements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Academy Coach (Forwards) in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Junior Academy Coach (Forwards) in Manchester
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 Sale Sharks Rugby 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 Sale Sharks Rugby Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Sale Sharks Rugby 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.
