SJA Family Sports and Mentoring is a youth, sports and community-focused organisation committed to creating positive opportunities for children and young people.
We deliver high-quality sports coaching, mentoring, personal development and positive activity programmes that help young people build confidence, resilience, self-belief and healthier futures.
Our work supports young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may be experiencing barriers linked to education, SEND, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, confidence, social isolation or exclusion.
Through trusted relationships, sport and meaningful engagement, we help young people feel seen, supported and capable of achieving more.
We believe sport, mentoring and positive role models can change lives.
SJA Family Sports and Mentoring is proud to have worked within schools and local communities for nearly **30 years**, making us **one of the longest-standing youth, sports and mentoring organisations within Croydon and the surrounding community**. We are incredibly proud of the children and young people we have supported, mentored, coached and helped to grow over the years.
## The Opportunity
We are looking for passionate, reliable and committed **Youth Mentors and Sports Activities Coaches** to join our growing team.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. You will use sport, mentoring, creative activities and positive engagement to support young people to develop confidence, improve behaviour, build social skills and take positive steps forward.
Depending on experience, qualifications, strengths and personal qualities, applicants may be considered for a **dual role** combining both **Youth Mentoring** and **Sports Coaching** responsibilities.
We currently have sessions planned from **12:00pm to 4:30pm**, starting in **September**. We also deliver selected sessions, clubs and additional programmes, including breakfast clubs, lunchtime activities, PE support, after-school clubs and late clubs. These opportunities are expected to continue growing over time.
This role would suit someone with experience in youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, education, SEND, behaviour support, community work, performing arts, health and wellbeing, or social care. However, we also welcome applicants who may not yet have formal experience or qualifications but have the right attitude, character and willingness to learn.
## Dual Role Opportunities
For suitable applicants, there may be opportunities to work across a **dual role** that combines both mentoring and sports coaching.
This means the role may involve a mixture of direct mentoring support, structured sports coaching, school-based work and wider positive activity delivery across **Croydon, Bromley and surrounding South London areas**.
Depending on experience, strengths and the needs of each setting, this could include:
* 1:1 mentoring with young people in schools
* Small group mentoring and targeted intervention work
* Directed work through schools, community settings or partner organisations
* PE support and sports coaching sessions
* Lunchtime clubs and structured lunchtime activities
* Breakfast clubs
* After-school clubs
* Late clubs and extended activity sessions
* Holiday, enrichment or selected community sessions where available
This variety is what makes the role meaningful. Some sessions may focus more on mentoring, emotional support, confidence building and behaviour, while others may focus on sport, teamwork, discipline, fitness and positive activity.
We are looking for people who can bring both sides together — using sport as a tool to build trust, support young people and create positive change.
The role will continue to grow over time as new schools, clubs and community opportunities develop.
## Who We Support
You may be working with young people who are:
* At risk of exclusion or disengagement from education
* Living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
* Experiencing social, emotional or behavioural challenges
* Struggling with confidence, communication or peer relationships
* Facing barriers to participation, learning or achievement
* In need of positive role models, structure and trusted adult support
## Key Responsibilities
As a Youth Mentor and Sports Activities Coach, you will:
* Build positive, consistent and supportive relationships with young people
* Deliver engaging 1:1 and group-based mentoring sessions
* Plan and support structured sports, creative and personal development activities
* Use sport and positive engagement to encourage confidence, discipline and teamwork
* Support young people to develop emotional regulation, communication and social skills
* Encourage positive behaviour, participation and personal responsibility
* Act as a strong role model and advocate for young people
* Adapt sessions to meet individual needs, including SEND and SEMH needs
* Monitor progress and contribute to positive outcomes for each young person
* Work professionally with schools, families, community partners and other professionals where required
* Maintain appropriate safeguarding, professional boundaries and record-keeping standards
* Support young people to make positive choices and develop healthier routines
* Help create safe, inclusive and enjoyable sessions where every young person feels valued
## Key Skills Needed to Be an Effective Youth Mentor
We are looking for mentors who can bring more than just experience. The right person will have the ability to connect, listen, guide and inspire.
Key mentoring skills include:
* Ability to build trust with young people
* Patience, empathy and emotional understanding
* Strong listening and communication skills
* Confidence in setting boundaries in a calm and respectful way
* Ability to motivate and encourage young people
* Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional conduct
* Ability to support young people with confidence, behaviour and emotional regulation
* Non-judgemental and trauma-aware approach
* Ability to work with young people who may be anxious, withdrawn, angry or disengaged
* Good teamwork and communication with schools, families and professionals
* Ability to record progress, concerns and outcomes clearly
* Commitment to being a positive role model
## Key Skills Needed to Be an Effective Sports Coach
Sports coaches should be able to use sport as a tool for learning, confidence, discipline and personal development.
Key sports coaching skills include:
* Ability to plan and deliver safe, structured and engaging sports sessions
* Strong leadership and group management skills
* Ability to adapt activities for different ages, abilities and needs
* Understanding of inclusion, SEND and behaviour support within sport
* Ability to encourage teamwork, respect and fair play
* Good knowledge of warm-ups, cool-downs and basic injury prevention
* Confidence in managing risk during physical activities
* Ability to motivate young people who may lack confidence or focus
* Understanding of how sport can support emotional wellbeing and resilience
* Ability to create sessions that are fun, purposeful and outcome-focused
* Commitment to promoting positive behaviour through sport
## Programme Activities May Include
### Sports and Physical Activity
* Football
* Basketball
* Rugby
* Boxing
* Martial arts
* Personal training
* Multi-sports coaching
* Fitness and wellbeing activities
### Creative and Performing Arts
* Music
* Drama
* Dance
* Creative workshops
* Confidence-building activities
### Positive Activities
* Hobbies and interests
* Educational experiences
* Cultural enrichment
* Community engagement
* Team-building activities
### Personal and Life Skills Development
* Building self-confidence
* Developing independence
* Improving communication skills
* Strengthening friendships and social networks
* Developing resilience, focus and self-belief
* Supporting positive choices and future aspirations
## The Main Ingredients We Look For
At SJA Family Sports and Mentoring, we believe the main ingredients for success in this work are **consistency, support and continuity**.
Whether applying as a Youth Mentor, Sports Coach, or for a dual role, we are looking for people who can show up consistently, build trust over time and provide young people with stable, positive support.
When those foundations are in place, the rest can develop naturally through training, experience, guidance and strong relationships.
Relatability and reliability are fundamental to our work. Young people need consistent adults who can connect with them, believe in them, encourage them and support them to keep moving forward.
## About You
We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, dependable and passionate about helping young people succeed.
You will need to be someone who can connect with young people, remain calm under pressure and bring energy, patience and professionalism to every session.
The successful candidate will:
* Have a positive, patient and non-judgemental approach
* Be passionate about supporting children and young people
* Be reliable, punctual and consistent
* Be relatable and able to connect naturally with young people
* Be able to build trust while maintaining clear professional boundaries
* Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Be adaptable, professional and willing to learn
* Be confident engaging young people from diverse backgrounds
* Be able to motivate, inspire and encourage participation
* Be willing to travel across Croydon, Bromley and surrounding South London areas
* Understand the importance of safeguarding, inclusion and positive role modelling
* Be open to training, supervision and ongoing professional development
## Essential Requirements
* Experience working with children and young people, or a genuine willingness to learn and develop in this area
* Ability to build positive relationships with young people while maintaining professional boundaries
* A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
* Enhanced DBS clearance is required. SJA Family Sports and Mentoring will complete its own enhanced DBS checks as part of safer recruitment
* Safeguarding certificate, or willingness to complete safeguarding training before starting
* Relevant training certificates where applicable, including sports coaching, mentoring, youth work, SEND, SEMH, behaviour support, first aid or safeguarding
* Good communication, professionalism and reliability
* Willingness to support young people with a range of needs, backgrounds and abilities
* Ability to follow policies, procedures, safeguarding expectations and reporting requirements
* Willingness to complete required training and ongoing development
## Desirable Experience
* Experience working with young people with SEND
* Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs or complex behaviour
* Experience in sports coaching, mentoring, youth work, education or community programmes
* Relevant coaching, youth work, mentoring, teaching, childcare or SEND qualifications
* Minimum 1 year’s experience in SEN, SEMH or alternative provision settings
* Experience delivering group sessions or structured activities
* First Aid, safeguarding or behaviour support training
* Sports coaching qualifications or willingness to work towards them
## Support, Training and Development
Please note, we understand that not every applicant will come with formal experience, qualifications or training already in place. What matters most to us is the right attitude, character, consistency, reliability and willingness to learn.
SJA Family Sports and Mentoring has supported and developed hundreds of young people, students, coaches, mentors and community members over the years. We understand that life can be challenging, and we believe in giving people the opportunity to grow, learn and build confidence in themselves.
If you are passionate about working with young people but do not yet have all the experience or training, we will support you where possible. We can help guide, develop and encourage you as much as you are willing to grow.
Please bear this in mind when applying. We are more than a service — we are a family and a supportive community. We want people who believe in young people, believe in themselves and are willing to be part of something positive.
Training may include:
* Safeguarding Children and Young People
* Child Protection Awareness
* Prevent Duty Awareness
* First Aid Training
* Mental Health Awareness
* Youth Mental Health First Aid
* Trauma-Informed Practice
* SEND Awareness
* SEMH Awareness
* Behaviour Support and De-escalation
* Professional Boundaries and Safer Working Practice
* Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* Risk Assessment and Health & Safety
* Session Planning and Delivery
* Mentoring Skills and Reflective Practice
* Recording, Reporting and Outcome Monitoring
* Sports Coaching Development
* Inclusive Sports Coaching
* Managing Group Activities Safely
* Communication with Schools, Families and Professionals
Where appropriate, staff may also be supported to work towards relevant qualifications in mentoring, youth work, sports coaching, education support, SEND, behaviour support or community development.
We want our team to grow with the organisation and to feel confident, supported and equipped to deliver high-quality work with young people.
## Working Opportunities and Pay
This role is offered on a **self-employed basis**, with opportunities available across our planned mentoring, sports coaching and positive activity sessions.
We offer strong opportunities, supportive development and competitive rates of pay. We believe that looking after our team is an important part of delivering high-quality support to children and young people.
Our current planned sessions are from **12:00pm to 4:30pm**, starting in **September**, with selected sessions, clubs and additional opportunities expected to grow over time.
## What We Offer
* The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on young people’s lives
* A supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven working environment
* Ongoing training and professional development
* Opportunities to grow within a developing organisation
* Competitive rates of pay
* Self-employed opportunities with scope to grow over time
* The chance to be part of a team committed to positive social change through sport, mentoring and community engagement
* Support to develop mentoring, coaching and youth engagement skills
* A family feel and supportive community approach
## Safeguarding Statement
SJA Family Sports and Mentoring is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be expected to share this commitment and will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.
SJA Family Sports and Mentoring will complete its own enhanced DBS checks as part of its recruitment and safeguarding process.
## How to Apply
If you feel you have the passion, commitment, consistency and ability to help make a positive and lasting difference to young people’s lives, we would love to hear from you.
Please reach out to us to express your interest and tell us a little about yourself, your experience, your interests and why you feel this role could be right for you.
Join SJA Family Sports and Mentoring and help inspire the next generation to believe, grow and achieve.
Pay: £15.00-£25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- UK visa sponsorship
Work Location: In person
