At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a thriving swimming programme for all levels at Clitheroe Dolphins.
- Company: Join the community-focused Clitheroe Dolphins Swimming Club in Lancashire.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, supportive committee, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing club and help swimmers reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Swim England Senior Coach Certificate or equivalent; strong coaching experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Help shape the next chapter of Clitheroe Dolphins Swimming Club. Our thriving community club in Lancashire is seeking a Head Coach who will deliver high‑quality coaching and lead an inclusive programme that supports swimmer development from grassroots to performance level.
Qualification: Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate, ASA Level 3 Coaching Award, or equivalent. Exceptional candidates who hold the Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Award will be considered.
Working hours and Location: Part‑time (typically up to 15–20 hours per week, depending on programme requirements) on a zero hours/casual basis. Location: Clitheroe, Lancashire.
About the Club: Clitheroe Dolphins is a proud, community‑focused competitive swimming club in the Ribble Valley. After a successful tenure, our current Head Coach will step away from coaching at the end of the season. This creates an exciting opportunity for a new Head Coach to lead the club into its next chapter. We continue to grow our membership, supported by a strong pipeline of young swimmers and a committed team of volunteers. The club has a strong track record of performance – our swimmers consistently achieve success at county and regional levels, with several progressing to national championships.
The Role: We’re looking for a Head Coach who will work with our Club Committee to oversee all poolside activity and ensure high‑quality coaching across the Club. Together, we’ll shape and deliver a programme that helps every swimmer reach their full potential – from those early in their journey to those competing at higher levels.
What this role includes:
- Leading our coaching structure and swimmer development pathway
- Coaching our performance squads
- Working closely with the Committee, volunteers and parents to maintain a positive, inclusive club culture
- Helping shape how the club develops as we continue to grow
What you’ll deliver:
- Leadership and programme development: Plan and deliver a progressive training programme aligned with Aquatics GB’s Optimal Athlete Development Framework (OADF). Develop and refine our squad structure to support long‑term swimmer progression. Prepare an annual competition calendar suitable for all levels, from development to performance. Set clear expectations for performance and support swimmers working towards county, regional and national targets.
- Coaching and team management: Lead coaching for our top squads, delivering high‑quality, engaging and technically strong sessions. Support, mentor and develop our coaching and teaching team, encouraging continuous learning and consistent standards. Facilitate regular communication with coaches and teachers to ensure alignment, a shared approach and safe delivery of training sessions. Ensure smooth and well‑supported progression between development and performance squads.
- Club operations and communication: Work collaboratively with our Club Committee, providing input to committee decisions and updates on programme delivery where appropriate. Build positive relationships with swimmers, parents, volunteers and partners. Support swimmers at key galas and team events as agreed to provide constructive feedback. Uphold and promote all club policies, including Swim England Wavepower and safeguarding standards.
What we’re looking for:
- Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 3 Coaching Award (or a strong holder of the Swimming Coach Certificate/Level 2 Award with relevant experience)
- Strong technical knowledge and a skills‑focused approach to coaching
- Experience in strength and conditioning/land training, or an understanding of how to integrate it into a swim programme is desired
- Excellent communication, organisation and time‑management skills
- The ability to lead, motivate and work effectively within a team
- A strong commitment to swimmer welfare, inclusivity and a positive club culture
- Willingness to support wider club events and activities
What you’ll get: The opportunity to shape a growing and ambitious club. A supportive committee and engaged volunteer base. Flexibility to bring your ideas and make a real difference. A welcoming, community‑driven environment.
What success looks like: In this role, success means strengthening our pathway, developing our coaches, and helping more swimmers achieve their full potential – including at county, regional and national levels.
Head Coach in Clitheroe employer: Swim England
Clitheroe Dolphins Swimming Club is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Head Coach to lead a thriving community-focused club in Lancashire. With a strong commitment to swimmer development and inclusivity, the club fosters a supportive environment where innovative ideas are welcomed, and personal growth is encouraged. Employees benefit from flexible working hours, a dedicated committee, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young swimmers as they progress through their competitive journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Coach in Clitheroe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow coaches, swimmers, and club members. Attend local swimming events or workshops to meet people in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on your dream coaching role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a free coaching session or workshop for local swimmers. This not only showcases your coaching style but also helps you connect with potential future swimmers and their parents.
✨Tip Number 3
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your coaching journey, insights, and achievements. Engaging with the swimming community online can open doors and attract attention from clubs looking for a Head Coach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for coaching and how you can contribute to Clitheroe Dolphins. Make sure to highlight your experience and vision for the club in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach in Clitheroe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for coaching and swimming shine through. We want to see how much you care about swimmer development and the community aspect of our club.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the role. We’re looking for someone who can lead our coaching structure, so be specific about your past coaching roles and successes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Head Coach position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Clitheroe Dolphins.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swim England
✨Know Your Coaching Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with Clitheroe Dolphins' values. Be ready to discuss how you plan to foster an inclusive environment and support swimmer development at all levels.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past coaching experiences that highlight your ability to lead teams, develop training programmes, and achieve results. Use metrics or success stories to demonstrate how you've helped swimmers progress in their journeys.
✨Engage with the Club's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Clitheroe Dolphins' history and achievements. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the club's mission and share ideas on how you can contribute to its growth and success in the future.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the club's current challenges, goals, and community involvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a meaningful impact as Head Coach.
