Youth Development Coach

Stirling Swimming is a competitive swimming club. Established in 1976, we are amongst Scotland's top swimming clubs, having produced many outstanding swimmers over the years. The club has over 200 members, with squads ranging from our entry level Starfish squad to our performance and Masters squads. The aim of the club is to create a safe and supportive environment to train and coach swimmers of all abilities to enable them to reach their full potential.

Stirling Swimming are seeking a highly motivated Youth Development Coach to work alongside the Head Coach and the wider coaching team who will be responsible for leading, developing and executing well structured, inclusive training programs for our Potential and Junior Performance swimmers at the Club. Focusing on enhancing athletes' technical, tactical and training skills, competitive performance, and overall team spirit to ensure growth and development alongside fostering a positive and motivating environment with alignment to the Club Partnership and KPI's with Scottish Swimming.

• Coaching & Training: Plan and implement an engaging, age appropriate coaching programme targeting the needs of the Potential and Junior Performance squads to ensure all swimmers have the ability to progress and develop.
• Ongoing squad planning in line with the overall club season / annual plan.
• Weekly session planning, writing and reviewing and provision of session plans or outlines to cover coaches to ensure coaching consistency.
• Coordinate the Potential and Junior Performance Squad coaches to ensure consistent and quality delivery of pool and land sessions.
• Provide an environment where swimmers can achieve their full potential, ensuring continuous swimmer development, with the objective of achieving District, National Age Group and National Junior Academy standards.
• Collaborate with the Head Coach on training plans, competition cycles, and performance monitoring.
• Liaise with the Head Coach on competition planning to ensure there are regular and appropriate competitive opportunities for members.
• Review Gala Entries of Potential & Junior Performance squad swimmers and collaborate with swimmer/parents and squad coaches to ensure races entered are appropriate and targeted to maximise swimmer development and progression.
• Provide cover for Coaching Team as and when required (subject to availability).
• Club Development: Coordinate with Head Coach on Teams for National leagues; collaborate with the Head Coach, Age Group Development Coach and Committee to coordinate Club Championships and home-based Club Development Camps.
• Support the development and organisation of the Club Grand Prix series (up to 3 events per year) and other internal club timetrial events.
• Athlete Development: Convene a twice yearly (August & January) parents information session for Potential & Junior Performance squad swimmers; develop and rollout a framework for monitoring and evaluating swimmers' progress, adapting training plans as needed; encourage individual and squad goal-setting and support athletes in achieving their personal bests.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with other coaches and support staff to ensure a cohesive coaching environment; participate in team meetings and strategy sessions.
• Event Preparation: Organize and prepare swimmers for competitions, including warm-up routines and post-race analysis; attend swim meets when required as agreed and planned with the Head Coach and support athletes during competitions.
• Communication & Parental Involvement: Foster open communication with athletes regarding training, development, and competition; provide regular updates on swimmer progress and club activities.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to club policies, health and safety regulations, and safeguarding protocols; maintain CWPS, first aid and lifesaving qualifications as required; complete and Enhanced Disclosure (PVG) check.

• Previous coaching experience in swimming, with SSCQ/ L2 coaching credentials.
• Strong knowledge of swimming techniques and training principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire swimmers of all ages and skill levels.
• Poolside Helper Educator (desirable).

• Passionate about swimming and athlete development.
• Team player with strong leadership qualities.
• Adaptable and able to manage various training needs.

Please provide at least one reference.

Note: The Stirling Swimming Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in the club. All applicants will be subject to a background check.

Note: The above description reflects the role and responsibilities as understood at the time of posting. It may be subject to change as the club evolves.