Skills Coach

Organisation: Watford Swimming Club

Contract Type: Permanent

Qualifications: Coaching Swimming: Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 2 Award; Coaching Swimming: Level 2 Award in the Principles of Coaching (QCF)

Working Hours: Part time

Location: Watford

Salary: Competitive

Closing Date: 5th February 2025 23:59

Watford Swimming Club based in Hertfordshire is seeking to fill a Skills Coach role to support development and performance across our Skills Squads. The role includes swim coaching plus attendance at galas, open meets and swim camps.

Role Purpose:

To be the Skills Coach for the youngest swimmers (age 7-10) in the club, and to plan and deliver a coaching programme for the swimmers in these squads that develops the swimmers, maximises their performance and ensures each swimmer reaches their full swimming potential.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Fulfil the duties of the Skills Coach for Skills Squads, including:
• Developing training plans for squad members
• Running pool squad training sessions
• Supporting swimmers’ personal development
• Attending galas, either midweek evenings or weekends, in a schedule agreed with the Head Coach
• Communicating effectively with swimmers and parents/guardians about decisions affecting swimmers
• Undertaking all associated administration required for the role
• It is expected that the number of training sessions will be 5.5 hours per week. Please note, this may change as the role evolves.
• Have responsibility for team gala entries for the Hertfordshire Peanuts League, working with the Club’s Fixtures Secretary.
• Work with the Head Coach, and with the wider coaching team to deliver the vision and long-term plan for the Club.
• Review and seek opportunities to improve squad structure and training delivery with the Head Coach.
• Determine squad progression to Skills 2 and Young Olympians squads in conjunction with the Coaching Team.
• Agree goals and targets for each swimmer in Skills 2 and 3 squads (where appropriate and required), reviewing these each cycle.
• Ensure you stay up to date with the latest developments, insights and recommendations from Swim England, East Region and Hertfordshire.
• Work closely with the committee and club volunteers to ensure clear and timely communication across the club.
• Make recommendations to enhance the development and performance of the swimmers and raise the profile of the Club.
• Support the Coaching Team with assessing suitability for membership of Watford Swimming Club.

Experience and Skills required to fulfil the contract:

• A Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Coaching Award
• A high level of technical knowledge and understanding of Optimal Athlete Development Framework.
• Adaptable to work both in a team environment and independently.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills to build strong relationships with swimmers, parents, coaches and the Club Committee.
• Create a warm, inclusive environment to allow swimmers of any age, race and nationality to thrive.
• Good administrative skills and be computer literate.
• You must hold an enhanced Swim England DBS certificate or be prepared to undergo an enhanced Swim England DBS check for Watford Swimming Club.
• You must hold a current safeguarding certificate recognised by Swim England and a National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) (or its equivalent).
• Be self-employed and have a permit to work in the UK.

The Skills Coach will be employed under a contract for the provision of services and will not be an employee of the Club.

How to apply

Please send your application to Anthony Gilbert via the apply button. Please provide a CV and supporting statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role of Skills Coach at Watford Swimming Club.

This vacancy may require the following qualifications:

• Coaching Swimming: Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 2 Award
• Coaching Swimming: Level 2 Award in the Principles of Coaching (QCF)