At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead youth athletic development and enhance swimmer performance through tailored physical preparation programmes.
- Company: Wycombe District Swimming Club, dedicated to nurturing young athletes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for professional growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on diversity, inclusion, and athlete development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young swimmers and elevate their performance to new heights.
- Qualifications: Strength and Conditioning Accreditation and 2+ years of coaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Job Type: Full time – Self Employed Contractor
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 (based on prior experience and qualifications)
Required Qualification: Strength and Conditioning Accreditation such as UKSCA, NSCA
Desirable Qualification: MSc degree in relevant area
Experience: Minimum 2 years
Responsible to: WDSC Head Coach
About the role
Wycombe District Swimming Club is looking to appoint a professional in Youth Athletic Development and Physical Preparation. The successful candidate will lead the development of our established long‑term athletic development programme, focusing on the physical preparation of swimmers across all squads, particularly the Competitive and Performance Squads.
Primary Responsibilities
- Plan, coach, reflect and review physical preparation programmes to improve athlete performance and reduce injury, considering long‑term development and maturation.
- Lead a 'Pre‑Pool and Post‑Pool' activity programme for the performance group and broader club, educating swimmers to self‑manage.
- Coach in the Performance Programme and across club squads each week, ensuring programme requirements are met.
- Support athletes at competitions with race‑day preparation, priming strategies and recovery; may take lactate samples.
- Monitor performance attributes such as movement competency, wellbeing, musculoskeletal screening, body composition, capacity, strength, and power; analyse and report results to athletes, coaches and parents.
- Coordinate with other S&C coaches and stakeholders to deliver the programme, conducting administrative duties from an office environment.
- Lead individual athlete planning for higher‑level senior swimmers and squad or project planning to deliver the programme.
- Attend training camps abroad or at home.
- Train and develop others in the delivery of the programme, including recruitment of intern coaches.
- Collaborate with Swim England and Aquatics GB World Class Swimming Programme, communicating with key staff and contributing to national/international S&C support.
- Ensure health and safety and club policy compliance when delivering the programme.
- Maintain personal professional development, creating a personal development plan with the Head Coach and SE S&C lead.
Person Specification
- 2+ years of coaching experience in a club environment, across any sport.
- 2+ years of coaching experience and a solid understanding of youth athletic development.
- Understanding of swim meets and athlete race preparation (desirable).
- Experience working in a collaborative coaching team.
- Experience with advanced S&C such as Olympic lifting.
Leadership & Values
- A team player who holds themselves accountable.
- A coach with ethical values, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Someone who demonstrates leadership and adds value to the programme.
- Enthusiastic about developing the existing programme to new heights.
Equality Statement
Wycombe District Swimming Club is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity in all fields and intends that no applicant receive less favourable treatment because of gender, gender re‑assignment, marital or family status, age, disability, ethnic origin, creed, sexual orientation, trade union membership, or by any other condition which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Head of Athletic Development & Physical Preparation Coach in High Wycombe employer: Wycombe District Swimming Club
Wycombe District Swimming Club is an exceptional employer for those passionate about youth athletic development, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional growth. With opportunities to lead innovative training programmes and engage with national swimming initiatives, employees can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere of Wycombe. The club's commitment to diversity and personal development ensures that every team member is valued and supported in their career journey.
Contact Details:
Wycombe District Swimming Club Recruitment Team
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