Men's Performance Team Coach (Men's 1st/2nd XI)

The Club
West Herts (West Herts Hockey Club) is a thriving club based in Watford with excellent pitch and clubhouse shared with Watford Grammar School. Watford is a commuter hub with easy public transport links to travel South into London and beyond, or to access the North of the country. The club is minutes away from the M25, A41 and within easy reach of the M1.

The Role
The men's section are looking for a new coach to bring fresh impetus to a side that were relegated from East Conference in 2024/5 and to build a strong 2s side who can form part of a combined 1s/2s squad. The club has a strong indoor tradition and the men are hoping to have a successful national league campaign in 2025/6. We would expect the coach to make full use of our VEO camera and provide video analysis to the group and individuals. The existing indoor coaching team intend to continue in their current roles.

Responsibilities
The coach will have responsibility for all aspects of first team and second team outdoor training and development, including Saturday coaching of the 1s side. Generally it will not be possible to attend 1s and 2s games on Saturdays, however, where fixtures allow, the coach would be available to to assist the 2s on a Saturday as well. 

Is it for you?
The role would suit an individual who is looking to take charge of a side with realistic national league ambitions. The playing squad has signifcant national league experience, a strong team ethic, and are keen to learn and to absorb new ideas in order to better themselves individually and as a group. There is a lot to work with, but the squad suffered from lack of depth last season. Although the club does have juniors coming through who will strengthen the squad, an incoming coach should initially be prepared either to work with a relatively small squad or be able to actively recruit for players who can enhance the squad. 

Ideally, the club would like to recruit a coach who plans to stay for the mid to long term. We believe it is important to develop a consistent method and style of play, and for individuals who represent the club to become part of the West Herts hockey community.

Experience/Qualifications
The club is looking for an individual with England Hockey Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification and a proven track record of coaching achievement. Individuals lacking one or other of these criteria (for instance experienced players looking to step into coaching) should feel free to apply, but should be able to explain clearly how their own experience and ideas make up for the missing qualification/coaching experience. 

Other opportunities
The club has other opportunities which might be available for the right candidate, including director of junior coaching. Additionally we are aware of local schools who are looking for coaching support which we believe would complement the club role(s).