Kidds Head Coach (Junior section)

Wapping Hockey Club is seeking an experienced Head Coach to take its junior section to the next level.

Started in 2016, Wapping Kidds was the first inner London hockey club for school age children. It has around 100 children playing each week and is a key part of Wapping HC’s mission of access and inclusion.

We have a mixed U8 team, boys and girls U10, U12 and U14 teams, and a boys development team that plays in the adult London league. There are currently two Kidds’ training sessions a week (Fri 18:00-19:30, U14+, and Sat 9:30-11:00, U8-U12) but we’re considering moving the Friday night session to another night. 

Our junior players are loads of fun and achieving excellent results so we want to give them the very best we can. As part of this, we’re restructuring the organisation to register the junior section as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which should allow us to transform our funding strategy and take them to the next level. 

The Kidds Head Coach, working with the Club Head Coach, will be responsible for helping implement the Club’s development plan. Focusing initially on leading the junior coaching programme and managing the development of junior section coaches whilst looking at future opportunities to expand and improve the Junior section through partnerships, camps, and other activities.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and Deliver coaching sessions for the junior section (Sat 9:30-11 and weeknight TBC 18:00-19:30).

Develop, train and manage volunteer coaches ensuring coaches are aligned and fully understand the sessions objectives over the short to long term.

With the Head Coach, deliver a structured plan for the short, medium and long-term development of junior hockey within the Club, achieving a balance of an inclusive and competitive environment.

Work with the Head Coach to develop a structured approach to aid the transition from the Junior section to the Senior section (Men and Ladies), creating a clear and fair pathway.

Work with the club to strengthen ties in the local community through outreach, school links and other opportunities.

Ensure the continual development of both players and coaches to the standards and measurements set by the club (how many juniors move to seniors, success rate etc).

Develop a Performance under 16s group (Boys and Girls) to compete in age range competitions.

Support Development teams.

Develop a programme of specialist workshops, camps and activities. Note that we currently run a 6 week summer camp (2 days per week) that the role would be responsible for delivering.

The primary role for the Kidds Head Coach would be to deliver coaching sessions for our talented junior section and ensure a smooth transition towards senior hockey in our ladies and men's sections.

Essential Experience

Experience developing and delivering strategic development programmes.

Coaching experience (junior to senior, beginners to advanced), Including experience in developing players over time.

Level 2 Hockey Coaching Qualification or equivalent experience (or the willingness and ability to achieve within 12 months of starting the role, supported by the club).

Proven ability to lead, motivate and empower a team to deliver key performance outcomes.

Flexibility and willingness to work irregular hours as necessary.
Ability to work with and inspire/motivate others

Desirable Experience

Performance level playing experience - High-level club and/or international

Desire and ability to work towards advanced/specialist coaching awards and qualifications.
Prepared to take a long-term view of the development of the Junior Section
Other

Other coaching opportunities within the club could make up part of this role: Assistant coach M1 & L1, M2 / L2 Lead coach, Performance coach, Sessional coaching, Video Analysis (Veo Platform)