At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire secondary school students in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Join a supportive educational team in Lancashire schools.
- Benefits: Earn over £2,000/month, enjoy term-time hours, and free weekends.
- Other info: Receive dedicated training and gain valuable classroom experience for future teaching qualifications.
- Why this job: Transform your coaching skills into a rewarding teaching experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth leadership or sports coaching; no formal teaching degree required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Blackpool, Preston, and wider Lancashire schools
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full-Time, Full Academic Year (TTO)
Salary: Over £2,000 per month before tax
About the Role
Are you a Football Coach, Scout Leader, Swim Instructor, or Dance Teacher looking for a stable, rewarding career change that keeps your weekends free? Schools across Lancashire are actively seeking dynamic, confident, and energetic individuals who already know how to command a room, engage young people, and manage behaviour. Mainstream secondary schools and specialist academies need Cover Supervisors and Sports/Activity Mentors for the upcoming academic year starting in September 2026.
You don’t need a formal teaching degree to excel here. If you can keep a squad of footballers focused, lead a scout troop through an activity, or manage a busy dance studio, you already possess the exact transferable skills needed to manage a modern classroom.
Why Your Experience Translates Perfectly
- Classroom Control: You know how to project your voice, hold attention, and set firm, respectful boundaries.
- Adaptability: You can think on your feet when a lesson plan or an activity changes unexpectedly.
- Energy & Presence: You bring a positive, proactive attitude that motivates students to participate.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise classes of secondary school students (Ages 11-16) when the regular teacher is absent.
- Deliver pre-set learning materials, ensuring students stay on task, work safely, and behave respectfully.
- Utilise your coaching background to assist in PE departments, lunchtime sports clubs, or after-school enrichment programs where needed.
- Manage classroom behaviour effectively using the school’s established positive points and boundary systems.
- Act as a relatable, motivating role model, helping students build confidence and resilience.
What We Are Looking For
- Background: Proven experience leading youth groups or sports teams (e.g., Football Coach, Scout/Guide Leader, Swim Coach, Dance/Drama Teacher, Martial Arts Instructor, or Camp Counsellor).
- Character: Outgoing, highly confident, resilient, and thick-skinned. You must be comfortable managing groups of up to 30 teenagers.
- Education: A good standard of literacy and numeracy (GCSE English and Math or equivalent). A degree is a plus but not essential.
- Availability: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, fully committed for the academic year.
- Compliance: An enhanced DBS check registered to the online Update Service (or a willingness to process a new one with our help).
What We Offer
- Strong Earnings: A guaranteed income of over £2,000 a month before tax, paid via transparent, premium daily rates.
- Perfect Balance: Term-time only working hours. Your weekends, evenings, and all school holidays (Christmas, Easter, Summer) are entirely your own.
- The Perfect Stepping Stone: The absolute best way to gain paid, practical classroom experience if you are considering a future PGCE or school-direct teaching qualification.
- Dedicated Training: Free access to behaviour management workshops, safeguarding training, and Cover Supervisor boot camps before you step foot in a classroom.
How to Apply
Please click 'Apply Now' to upload your CV highlighting your coaching or youth leadership experience, or call our Lancashire Secondary Education Team directly for an immediate callback.
Sports Coach | Youth Leader to Education Assistant in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a vibrant and supportive educational community in Blackpool, Preston, and wider Lancashire, where your skills as a Sports Coach or Youth Leader can truly shine. With a focus on work-life balance, you will enjoy term-time only hours, allowing you to keep your weekends free while earning a competitive salary of over £2,000 per month. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through dedicated training opportunities, making this an ideal environment for those looking to transition into teaching or enhance their career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Coach | Youth Leader to Education Assistant in Preston
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment. 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 Tradewind Recruitment. 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 Sports Coach | Youth Leader to Education Assistant in Preston
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 Tradewind Recruitment 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 Tradewind Recruitment
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Tradewind Recruitment, 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.
