At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire young swimmers in their competitive journey while fostering a positive team culture.
- Company: Join the thriving City of St Albans Swimming Club, known for its high-performance squads.
- Benefits: Gain coaching experience, develop leadership skills, and receive support for qualifications.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young athletes' lives and help them reach their swimming potential.
- Qualifications: Dynamic coach with Swim England certification or equivalent, strong communication, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
City of St Albans Swimming Club (Co St A) in Hertfordshire is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Lead Junior Coach to join our coaching team.
This role involves working with the youngest swimmers as they take their first steps into competitive swimming, supporting athlete development and maintaining a positive, encouraging team culture.
Background: Co St A is a thriving, high‑performing swimming club with squads spanning Pre‑Club through to Performance and Masters levels.
We have a strong track record of producing swimmers who go on to compete at County, Regional and National levels.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside Co St A’s Head Coach, Assistant Head Coach and other coaches to deliver the agreed programme to the club’s swimmers.
- Support the development, organisation, implementation and coordination of squads, ensuring all swimmers have the opportunity to maximise their potential.
- Prepare coaching sessions as directed by the Assistant Head Coach and maintain accurate attendance registers.
- Attend swimming meets and galas as directed by the Head Coach or Assistant Head Coach, supporting swimmers’ performance in competitive events.
- Help deliver Co St A’s events, swim camps, skills camps and entrance trials.
- Communicate positively and professionally with swimmers’ parents and carers.
- Cover ad‑hoc sessions when other coaching team members are unavailable.
- Help ensure Co St A’s continued success as a competitive swimming club at all levels, working within Swim England and Swim Mark guidelines.
- Escalate any welfare concerns promptly to the Assistant Head Coach, Co St A’s Welfare Officer, or, in their absence, the Chair of Co St A.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- A dynamic swimming coach or teacher who can motivate, develop, encourage and mentor young swimmers, while engaging effectively with parents.
- A strong team player who works well within a coaching group.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- A supportive mentor to Assistant Coaches and Poolside Helpers.
- Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate (or Level 2 equivalent) or Level 2 Teacher qualification.
- Preferred
- First aid qualification.
- NPLQ or NRASTC (candidates without this qualification will be supported and funded by Co St A to achieve it).
Co St A is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background.
Before being invited to interview, candidates will be asked to confirm there is no reason they would not pass an Enhanced DBS check.
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Lead Junior Coach employer: Swim England
Swim England is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where safeguarding is at the forefront of our mission. Employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through the promotion of safe practices in swimming clubs across the nation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Junior Coach
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Junior Coach
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 Swim England 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 Swim England
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Swim England, 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.