The Royal Hospital Sports Department is seeking to appoint a Full Time ‘Athletic Development Lead’ to join our team and deliver high-quality coaching to pupils. RHS believes that Strength and Conditioning is for everyone and the Athletic Development Lead will play a key role in the development of a programme that has this at its core. We are looking for a qualified Athletic Development Lead (UKSCA or CSCS accredited or working towards this qualification) who has a thorough understanding of training and youth physical development and who can work with coaches in a range of sports to ensure the best possible outcome for our pupils. Working alongside fellow fitness professionals, this role would include work in a variety of settings from gym to pitch/court locations.
Responsible to: The Athletic Development Lead reports to the Director of Sport.
Overall Purpose of the Role:
To lead and inspire pupils in their athletic development, fostering physical strength, resilience, and a passion for lifelong fitness through a comprehensive strength and conditioning program. The coach will be responsible for delivering structured and progressive training sessions, supporting pupils of all abilities to achieve their personal fitness goals and athletic potential. Working closely with the Director of Sport and other sports team members, the coach will develop and implement a tailored sports scholarship program that aligns with the latest industry standards. Through collaborative efforts, the coach will also deliver health, fitness, and nutrition workshops, provide rehabilitation support to injured athletes, and contribute to maintaining a safe, well-equipped gym environment, ensuring that all pupils can engage safely and effectively in their fitness journey.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Plan and deliver outstanding athletic development sessions for pupils aged 11-18 across the full breadth of the curriculum, incorporating principles tailored for both general fitness and elite pathway athletes.
2. Lead the Sports Scholar programme and the Talented Performance Group (TPG), running small group sessions for our most talented athletes and those on performance pathways, providing them with specialised training and support aligned with RHS’s elite pathway partnerships.
3. Work closely with the Director of Sport to ensure the delivery of an athlete-centred sports scholarship programme that is current with industry standards, meets the needs of our school sports teams, and supports the RHS elite pathway connections in sports such as rugby, cricket, and netball.
4. Serve as a coach for one of our main sports: Rugby, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Netball or Tennis and participate in all scheduled Games and Sports sessions, including accompanying fixtures during the week and on Saturdays.
5. Participate in the weekly ‘Boarders Sports’ evening (currently Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm).
6. Collaborate with the Director of Sport to plan and deliver an athletic development programme that is inclusive for all pupils, supporting the RHS philosophy of "sport for all" and offering pathways for lifelong fitness and recreational enjoyment.
7. Support all pupils in developing their personal fitness and reaching specific health-related fitness goals, ensuring all programs are adaptable to individual needs.
8. Serve as a key member of the team, supervising gym sessions, conducting inductions for both pupils and staff, reviewing programs, and providing personalised advice and feedback to pupils of all abilities.
9. Assist in delivering a school-wide health, fitness, and wellbeing programme, which includes planning, delivering, and reviewing interactive lectures, workshops, and structured schemes of work across various fitness and wellness topics.
10. Deliver workshops and lessons to a variety of pupils, fostering an understanding of nutrition for performance and educating them on fitness habits that support both athletic and academic demands.
11. In consultation with the Director of Sport and relevant sports and medical staff, assist in delivering structured rehabilitation programmes and return-to-play schedules for injured pupils, integrating safe and effective recovery practices.
12. Provide regular in-house training to the department, enhancing staff knowledge in athletic development, fitness testing, and sport-specific conditioning.
13. Offer strength and conditioning classes, fitness classes, and contribute to PE lessons for a wide variety of pupils and staff, ensuring sessions cater to both athletic performance and general fitness.
14. Attend fixtures, tournaments, pre-season events, and tours as discussed with the Director of Sport, supporting athletes in competitive and development contexts across a range of sports.
15. In consultation with the Director of Sport and Heads of Sports, devise sport-specific fitness training sessions for selected sports, considering the specific demands of in-season, off-season, and pre-season phases (including potential holiday period sessions).
16. Conduct fitness testing for performance squads, sports scholars, and TPG members to track and record improvements, ensuring data informs training adjustments and supports athletes in reaching their potential.
17. Participate in RHS Open Mornings & Admissions Events as required.
18. Take responsibility for the safe use and maintenance of fitness equipment, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation, policies, and guidelines for operating a fitness gym and exercise studio. This includes familiarity with the NOP/EAP, securing facilities, and providing adequate staffing when users are present.
19. Report any equipment/building defects or operational failures to the Estates Department at the earliest opportunity, taking immediate action to reduce any injury risk.
20. Be an outstanding team player with a flexible attitude towards duties and responsibilities to ensure a high-quality service is provided at all times. Undertake any duty that may reasonably be required by the Director of Sport.
21. Be willing to work alongside the pool team and undertake internal staff training to serve as a backup lifeguard for the pool when supervising the fitness suite.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Employee mentoring programme
* Free parking
* On-site gym
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
* Weekend availability
Education:
* Certificate of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
* Sports coaching and S&C: 1 year (preferred)
* Working with young people: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Qualification in Strength & Conditioning or equivalent (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Athletic Development Lead
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