At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop young rugby talent in a professional academy environment.
- Company: Join Harlequins, a leading rugby club with a commitment to nurturing talent.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on safeguarding and athlete development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rugby by shaping young athletes.
- Qualifications: RFU Level 3 Coaching Qualification and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Based at Surrey Sports Park – GU2 7AD with some UK travel
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: Thursday 18th June, 2026
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Academy Development Phase Coach to support players within our Junior Academy Pathway. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a coach to work within a professional academy environment and contribute to the development of emerging rugby talent across our catchment area. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering one of our four core objectives: developing a strong pipeline of home‑grown talent capable of progressing through the academy pathway and playing first team rugby. Given the nature of this role and the individuals you will be working with (U18’s), it will be subject to detailed reference checks.
The Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the Head of Academy & Academy Development Phase Head Coach in the overall management of Harlequins Academy development phase.
- Assist the Head of Academy & Academy Development Phase Head Coach in the establishment of structures and feeder systems that identify playing talent within existing club, school and Constituent Body (CB) U17 & U18 development squads, and by direct referral.
- Assist the Head of Academy & Academy Development Phase Head Coach in forging clear and positive relationships with teachers of rugby, coaches and development staff within feeder schools, clubs and CBs.
- Lead on the Development Phase Backs Annual Playing programmes (APP) and Individual Development Programmes (IDP) For England Academy Players (EAP) to make sure it is completed on elite hub before deadlines.
- Lead the on‑field coaching and match days for the Development phase U17s & U18s Backs and Attack, using the same terminology and playing style (where appropriate) with the senior squad.
- Plan regular visits to EAPs schools to deliver one‑on‑one sessions and game reviews.
- Assist where appropriate with ACE coaching delivery.
- Assist the Academy Operations Manager with administration of player tracking information to make sure it is submitted to RFU on time.
- Assist the Head of Academy & Academy Development Phase Head Coach in working to identify and recommend appropriate specialist coaching support for Development player EAPs when required from England pathway coaches and senior Harlequins coaching staff.
- Work collaboratively with all Academy staff.
The Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed:
Essential:
- RFU Level 3 Coaching Qualification.
- Ability to coach and develop kicking both technically and tactically.
- 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 licence.
- Clean enhanced DBS check.
- An 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.
Desirable:
- Experience working with youth athletes or team sports environments.
- Understanding of LTAD.
- Current First Aid and safeguarding certification.
Harlequins is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Academy Development Phase Backs & Attack Coach Harlequins employer: Sporting Equals
Harlequins is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for coaches passionate about developing young rugby talent. Located at the vibrant Surrey Sports Park, our culture fosters collaboration and growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and engagement with the local community. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of aspiring athletes while enjoying the benefits of working within a prestigious academy framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Development Phase Backs & Attack Coach Harlequins
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Sporting Equals. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Sporting Equals. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Development Phase Backs & Attack Coach Harlequins
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 Sporting Equals 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 Sporting Equals
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Sporting Equals, 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.
