Talent Academy - Lead Coach

TBBHC is seeking a talented Lead Coach who can lead a team of coaches in creating and delivering an intensive, performance-focused training environment, with a healthy talent development culture that puts players at the centre and prioritises their development. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Work with the Talent Academy Head Coach to create a working plan for delivering all pitch sessions with the other members of the Talent Academy coaching team, focused on applying the Complete Player Qualities and developing players’ Hockey IQ (game understanding and highly skilled actions) as outlined in the Talent System Framework.  
• Plan and deliver the Talent Academy training and matchdays (around 90-100 hours per year, mostly Friday evenings with occasional Sundays) and attend the End of Cycle Event in Nottingham at the end of July.  
• Work with the Talent Academy Head Coach to coordinate the planning and delivery of the Talent Academy education programme. 
• Work with the Goalkeeping Lead Coach to ensure that Goalkeeper needs are fully met and effectively integrated into the sessions.
• Ensure players are supported in taking responsibility for their own individual development through the creation of Individual Development Plans, providing regular feedback, and reviewing progress at set points in the cycle.
• Use video analysis to support player development.
• Work with the TA Head Coach and other TA coaches to manage the transition of players into and out of the Talent Academy environment as appropriate, especially during the trials phase regarding initial selection.
• In an intense training and competition environment, prioritise player development and player welfare over any competition result.
• Provide informed and impartial evidence and opinion on players to England Age Group Squad coaches at appropriate points throughout the cycle.
• Lead Coaches are expected to lead and demonstrate safeguarding principles and be aware of the player's needs. They should also have an awareness of the mental health and wellbeing of the players and coaches in their team. 
• Communicate regularly with parents to support and manage the player's development expectations.  
• Develop a strong working relationship with the EH Lead Talent Coaches, most notably concerning selection and players transitioning into and out of the Talent Academy environment.  
• Provide a final decision on selection where necessary, ensuring this is communicated appropriately and supportively to the player.
• Ensure any player welfare concerns are written and reported promptly and efficiently per England Hockey Safeguarding Policy and Procedures to the Talent Academy Welfare Officer and England Hockey, if necessary. 

Other Duties  

• Attend the Talent Academy induction and any necessary support workshops throughout the cycle.
• Commit to personal growth and development by attending regional/national CPD events.
• As a coaching team, encourage contact with club and school environments which your players attend regularly, building relationships to facilitate player-centred discussions.

Essential Qualities

• Self-motivated and inspiring coach who can deliver exceptional development experiences by applying Healthy Talent Development Principles and Complete Player Qualities in a talent development environment to our high-potential young hockey players.
• Outstanding technical knowledge of individual and team principles, including techniques, tactics and coaching trends and ability to apply the demands of performance hockey within a talent development environment.
• Evidence of creating an outstanding training environment using effective practice design and session planning to develop highly skilled and creative players.
• Strong communicator; accurately disseminating information using various methods and to various audiences (coaches, players, parents, managers).
• Can oversee and support a coaching team. Collaborate with these coaches to ensure a consistent and high-level developmental environment for all players and staff.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, observe confidentiality and use discretion and initiative.
• Evidence of a commitment to continuous personal development and an understanding of how to apply the Complete Player Qualities within their coaching philosophy.
• Efficient and organised, with a strong awareness of self and self-regulation and the ability to meet competing demands through effective time management. Commitment to all Talent Academy dates within reason.
• Can lead the overall technical, tactical, physical, and mental programme for the playing group in training and competition settings.
• Understanding of junior athletes' safeguarding requirements and mental well-being in a talent environment.

Desirable Qualities  

• A track record of effective talent identification and selection.
• England Hockey Level 2 Qualification or equivalent.
• UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children Certificate.
• This is a self-employed role.
• You will also be required to work flexibly, including Friday evenings when the TA takes place. 
• This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.