At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun sports and enrichment activities for children during school holidays.
- Company: Join the West Ham United Foundation, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare perks, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours during school holidays with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while having fun in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: FA/UEFA Level 2 coaching qualification and experience with children required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company Description
WEST HAM UNITED FOUNDATION HAF SESSIONAL COACH
WHU Foundation Beckton Hub & sites across Newham, East London
9am–3pm during school holidays
Sessional Contract: Week commencing 20th July – Week commencing 28th August
£15 per hour
Timesheets required
About The Haf Programme
West Ham United Foundation delivers inclusive Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes during school holidays, providing safe, engaging, and enriching environments for children and young people. Our provision combines high-quality sport sessions, enrichment activities, nutritious food, and personal development opportunities to inspire confidence, teamwork, resilience, and positive behaviours. We support young people to stay active, build skills, develop relationships, and enjoy positive experiences within their local communities.
The Role
We are seeking passionate and committed HAF Coaches to deliver engaging, age‑appropriate activities across our Holiday Activity Fund programme in East London.
Key Activities
- Football sessions
- Multi‑sport activities
- Indoor enrichment and craft workshops
- Healthy lifestyle education sessions
You will inspire children from diverse communities, increase participation in sport, and help young people develop healthier lifestyles within a fun and supportive environment.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging sessions
- Promote enthusiasm for sport, movement, and participation
- Deliver healthy lifestyle workshops
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and stakeholders
- Communicate effectively with participants and colleagues
- Monitor attendance, progress, and participant feedback
- Maintain safeguarding, health, and safety standards
- Engage in training and professional development
- Carry out additional duties as required
Person Specification
- FA/UEFA Coaching Qualification (minimum Level 2 / UEFA C preferred)
- In‑date FA Safeguarding Children & FA First Aid in Football qualifications
- Experience coaching football and at least one additional sport
- Experience working with children in schools or community settings
- Ability to travel across sites in East London
- Enhanced DBS check (completed by WHU Foundation prior to start)
Skills & Attributes
- Strong ability to engage and inspire young people through sport
- Reliable, organised, adaptable, and proactive approach
- Passion for supporting young people and healthy lifestyles
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and high‑quality delivery
- Ability to work independently and within diverse communities
- Flexible approach to working during school holiday periods
Safeguarding Commitment
We’re committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
- Pension and life insurance
- Healthcare cash scheme
- Travel season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Priority access to apply for match tickets
- Discounted season tickets
- Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
- Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
- Family friendly leave policies
- Company Social events
EDI Statement
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination‑free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential. Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.
Safeguarding
The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well‑being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced. The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club's Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.
Applications
To apply, please submit your application via our careers portal: https://www.careers.whufc.com
Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 10th June 2026
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
HAF Sessional Coach employer: West Ham United FC
West Ham United Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and personal development. As a HAF Sessional Coach, you will have the opportunity to inspire young people in East London through engaging sports and enrichment activities, while enjoying benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, healthcare schemes, and family-friendly policies. Join us in making a positive impact in the community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HAF Sessional Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the West Ham United Foundation and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us how your passion for sport and working with young people aligns with our mission. We want to see that you’re not just a coach, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some engaging activity ideas that you could implement during the HAF programme. We love creativity! Bring along a few examples of how you can make sports fun and inclusive for all children, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your coaching qualifications and experience. We’re looking for someone with a solid background in football and other sports, so be ready to chat about your past roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to inspire young people in East London!
We think you need these skills to ace HAF Sessional Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about inspiring kids through sport and healthy lifestyles!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, especially in coaching and working with children. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at the WHU Foundation.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. No need for fluff—just show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our careers portal! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the WHU Foundation.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Ham United FC
✨Know the HAF Programme Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Holiday Activities and Food programme. Understand its goals, the types of activities offered, and how it benefits children and young people. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're aligned with the foundation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Experience
Be ready to discuss your coaching qualifications and experiences, especially in football and other sports. Prepare specific examples of how you've engaged young people in previous roles, highlighting any successful outcomes or feedback from participants.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a key aspect of this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices. Share any relevant experiences where you've ensured the safety and well-being of children, and express your commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial when working with children and families. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with diverse groups. Show that you can adapt your communication style to engage different audiences, making it clear that you can build positive relationships.
