Overview
Kickstart UK is looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and positive Assistant Sports Coach to support the delivery of high-quality, engaging sports and physical activity sessions for children and young people.
Working alongside a Lead Sports Coach, the Assistant Sports Coach will help create a safe, inclusive, enjoyable and supportive environment where every participant is encouraged to develop their physical skills, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment of sport.
The role may involve supporting PE lessons, lunchtime provision, afterschool clubs, mentoring activities, holiday programmes, community sessions and other Kickstart UK provisions.
Key Responsibilities
The Assistant Sports Coach will:
- Support the Lead Coach in planning, setting up and delivering engaging sports and physical activity sessions.
- Assist with the delivery of a variety of sports, games and physical activities appropriate to the age and ability of participants.
- Provide individual and small-group support to help children develop their confidence, skills and understanding.
- Encourage maximum participation and ensure activities are inclusive for children of different abilities and needs.
- Help demonstrate skills, techniques and activities clearly and positively.
- Support the Lead Coach with behaviour management and reinforce clear expectations and boundaries.
- Build positive and professional relationships with pupils, school staff, parents/carers and Kickstart UK colleagues.
- Help set up, check, maintain and safely store sports equipment before and after sessions.
- Support registers, headcounts and other attendance procedures where required.
- Follow session plans and instructions provided by the Lead Coach while showing initiative when appropriate.
- Encourage teamwork, communication, resilience, respect and good sportsmanship.
- Act as a positive role model to all children and young people.
- Support children who may require additional encouragement or adaptations to participate fully.
- Assist with the safe transition and supervision of children between activities and locations.
- Report any accidents, incidents, behavioural concerns or safeguarding concerns promptly through the appropriate procedures.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Safeguarding children and young people is a fundamental part of this role.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and young people.
- Follow Kickstart UK and individual school safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times.
- Remain vigilant to potential safeguarding concerns.
- Immediately report any safeguarding disclosure, incident or concern to the appropriate Designated Safeguarding Lead or responsible member of staff.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
- Complete all required safeguarding training and maintain an appropriate level of safeguarding knowledge.
Appointment will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check where required.
Health & Safety
The Assistant Sports Coach must:
- Help ensure activities are delivered within a safe environment.
- Follow relevant risk assessments and health and safety procedures.
- Check playing areas and equipment for obvious hazards before activities begin.
- Report damaged or unsafe equipment immediately.
- Follow emergency and accident procedures.
- Ensure participants use equipment appropriately and safely.
- Support the Lead Coach in maintaining appropriate supervision throughout sessions.
Person SpecificationEssential
The successful candidate should:
- Have a genuine enthusiasm for sport, physical activity and working with children.
- Be positive, energetic and approachable.
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Be reliable, punctual and professional.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Be willing to learn from experienced coaches and develop their coaching ability.
- Have the confidence to engage and motivate groups of children.
- Demonstrate patience and understanding when working with children of different needs, abilities and backgrounds.
- Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with Kickstart UK's professional standards and values.
Desirable
- Previous experience working with children or young people.
- Previous sports coaching or teaching experience.
- A recognised sports coaching qualification.
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Sport, Coaching or a related subject.
- First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding training.
- Experience working within primary or secondary school environments.
- Experience supporting children with SEND or additional needs.
Professional Expectations
All Assistant Sports Coaches are expected to represent Kickstart UK professionally. This includes arriving on time, wearing appropriate Kickstart UK uniform, communicating respectfully, maintaining professional boundaries and demonstrating a positive attitude.
Staff should be proactive and willing to support the wider team where reasonably required.
Development Opportunities
Kickstart UK is committed to supporting the development of its coaching team. Assistant Sports Coaches may have opportunities to:
- Shadow experienced Lead Coaches.
- Develop session planning and delivery skills.
- Complete relevant coaching and safeguarding qualifications.
- Gain experience across different sports and educational settings.
- Progress towards greater responsibility and Lead Sports Coach positions.
Our Aim
At Kickstart UK, sport is about more than simply developing physical ability. We aim to use sport and physical activity to help young people develop confidence, resilience, communication, teamwork and positive attitudes that can support them both in education and everyday life.
The Assistant Sports Coach plays an important role in creating positive experiences that allow every young person to participate, develop and achieve.
Pay: £15.00-£18.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
