Folkestone Optimist HC – Women’s 1st/2nd XI Coach

We are looking for a Lead Coach who is passionate about hockey, is reliable with a desire to take talented team/s, players and the ladies section forward, to carry on the execellent work of the previous ladies lead coach.  The right person will be setting the strategic direction not only for the 1s/2s but of the ladies section. With the right coach, talented players, and top facilities we are ready to go!

After 3 years in South East Prem where the 1st XI finished in 4th place in the 2023/24 season, we are now looking for them to go straight back having been relegated last season.  They will join the 2nd XI in South East Division 1 East in September.

Folkestone Optimist HC is an ever-growing Kent club which will run 6 Women's teams from September 2025 for the first time.  We also have 8 Men's sides and a thriving junior section.  Many of our juniors represent Kent Hockey with others attending an EH Talent Academy. 

Role & Responsibilites 

The role is a paid position which includes but is not limited to:

• Develop coaching plans to give dynamic training sessions to the ladies 1st & 2nd XI
• Deliver the pre-season programme
• Deilver training sessions, currently once a week on Wednesdays 7.30 to 9.30pm
• Coach 1st XI for friendlies, league and cup games on match days, home and away
• Provide developmental feedback from matches to both the squad and individuals
• Progress individual players
• Collaborate with other coaches to achieve a consitent approach to coaching across the ladies section
• Report to the Ladies Coordinator and work with the ladies 1st & 2nd XI captains

Required

• Hold at least the England Hockey Sessional Qualification or Level 2 equivalent.
• Have attended a Safeguarding Children Workshop in the last 3 years (or be willing to attend at the next possible opportunity).
• Hold a current First Aid certificate.
• Is based in the UK.

As a Clubmark club this appointment is subject to appropriate references and an enhanced DBS check.  The applicant must be classed as self-employed for tax purposes.

Pay - competitive and linked to coaching qualification and experience.

There may be other paid opportunities coaching at a Development Centre that runs at the club and school outreach.