Women's Performance Programme Head Coach

Ashford Hockey Club is seeking an ambitious and committed Women's Performance Programme Head Coach to lead our Women's Performance Squad – consisting of the W1s and promising W2s. This role is key in delivering the Women's coaching programme working alongside the “Club Lead Coach” as per the Club Philosophy and working within the Ashford Coaching Network.

About Ashford:
Ashford Hockey Club is a family-focused club (based in Middlesex) with a proven ability to develop players, coaches and umpires whom have gone on to compete within the National League and internationally:

• 4 Mens, 3 Women's teams, 1 Masters, 1 Mixed and 1 Touring team.
• A small but talented junior section.
• Strong links with local schools and clubs.
• Regular County & TA representatives across multiple age groups.
• Pitch, clubhouse, changing rooms, meeting room, car park and bar all on site.
• Use of VEO for Video Analysis.

About the role:

• Working within the Ashford Coaching Network to implement the Club Philosophy for the Women’s Performance Squad including strategy, playing principles and talent development.
• To support the “Club Lead Coach” with successful development, delivery, management and sustainability of the Ashford Hockey Club’s Performance programme.
• Creating a high-performance culture within the Performance Squad and across the whole Women's Section.
• Provide input and feedback to squad members, developing players throughout the season and driving the performance of the Women’s Section.

Key Responsibilities:
The Women's Performance Programme Head Coach is responsible for the Women's Performance Squad Training Programme. This will include:

• Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging and focused training sessions (Wednesdays and some Tuesday evenings) that focus on technical and tactical development for all ages/abilities.
• Prepare the Women's 1s in the League (London Division 2), Cup and friendly matches including pre-match analysis and strategy development.
• Lead the team on match-days, providing in-game tactical adjustments and feedback.
• Work proactively with the Leadership Groups of the Women’s Section to make weekly selection and provide feedback to players where appropriate (e.g. non-selection).
• Provide video analysis support for the Women’s 1s Squad.
• Support the development of players transitioning from juniors and lower adult (Club) teams into the Performance Squad.

About You:

• Ability to coach independently – Coach Development will be available.
• Bring fresh ideas and a desire to continue developing their own coaching knowledge.
• Be able to create a positive, challenging, and ambitious environment.
• Be an excellent communicator who can build strong relationships with players, assistant coaches (adults and Young Leaders), the Leadership Group and the Club.
• Be committed to the wider success of Ashford Hockey Club and willing to contribute beyond the Women's Section.