Project Overview

Rowing to Success is an innovative programme led by Love Rowing in partnership with Dee-based rowing clubs, designed to support young people in Chester by improving their mental well-being, life skills, and aspirations through the sport of rowing. The programme focuses on young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and young disabled children, aiming to address challenges such as low aspirations, poor mental health, and health inequalities. The Youth Rowing Coach will play a pivotal role in delivering the programme’s activities, inspiring young people to engage in rowing, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.

Role Overview

The Youth Rowing Coach will be responsible for leading the delivery of the Rowing to Success programme, combining both rowing coaching and youth work to create a positive, inclusive, and rewarding experience for all participants. The post holder will work directly with young people to inspire them to take part in rowing, develop their skills, and overcome any barriers they face. They will also work closely with schools, parents, and guardians to ensure the programme meets the needs of the participants and encourages long-term engagement.

This is not just a traditional coaching role; it’s an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young people, fostering a love for rowing while promoting personal development, wellbeing, team-building, and life skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Delivery of Rowing to Success Programme

• Lead and deliver indoor and water-based rowing sessions for young people, ensuring that each session is safe, engaging, and meets the developmental needs of participants.
• Ensure rowing activities are inclusive and accessible for young people with diverse needs, including those with disabilities.
• Develop and implement training plans that cater to the varied experience levels of the participants, from beginners to more experienced rowers.
• Work with participants individually and as part of a team to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Lead the coaching co-ordination of QPCRC with the volunteer coaches, ensuring the successful integration of Rowing to Success with the club.

2. Youth Development & Support

• Act as a mentor and positive role model for participants, offering guidance, encouragement, and support.
• Build strong relationships with young people, inspiring them to engage in rowing, raise their aspirations, and believe in their abilities.
• Support young people’s personal development, helping them improve key life skills such as communication, resilience, team work and self-confidence.
• Provide pastoral care and guidance to participants, ensuring they feel supported in all aspects of their development.

3. Inclusion & Accessibility

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all young people, regardless of background or ability.
• Foster an atmosphere of respect and teamwork, ensuring that every participant has an opportunity to succeed and feel part of the programme.
• Identify and address any barriers to participation, working with schools, parents, and guardians to ensure young people stay engaged with the programme.

4. Collaboration with Schools & Partners

• Alongside the Activity Co-ordinator & Welfare Lead, work closely with schools, parents, and guardians to ensure the smooth running of the programme, including managing logistics such as transport, equipment, and scheduling.
• Act as the key point of contact between the programme, schools, and families, maintaining open and regular communication to support participant engagement.
• Work in partnership with the Activity Co-ordinator & Welfare Lead to ensure all participants’ needs are met, both in terms of coaching and welfare.

5. Coaching & Training Development

• Develop individual and group training plans for participants, ensuring that the training environment fosters personal growth, teamwork, and technical rowing development.
• Continuously evaluate the progress of participants and adjust training plans accordingly to ensure sustained development.
• Attend regular training sessions and development opportunities to enhance personal coaching skills, such as participating in Youth Worker
• Qualifications or other relevant professional development opportunities.

6. Youth Leadership & Development (applicable from 2028)

• Deliver the Youth Leadership programme for students in years 10-12, aimed at improving the skills and employability of young people through coaching training and leadership development.
• Facilitate the ongoing development of future rowing coaches and leaders in partnership with the Dee-side clubs.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment

• Assist in the administration of participant evaluations and surveys to monitor progress and impact.
• Support the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the programme, providing feedback to ensure that the programme evolves to meet the needs of young participants.
• Track and report on participant progress, attendance, and engagement, using data to improve the programme’s effectiveness.

8. Health and Safety Compliance

• Ensure that all rowing sessions and activities comply with safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance regulations.
• Maintain the safety of all participants during sessions, ensuring equipment and facilities are well-maintained and fit for purpose.
• Regularly check and ensure that all necessary risk assessments are completed for activities, outings, and events.

9. Equipment Management & Maintenance

• Ensure the safe and appropriate use of rowing equipment, and assist with its regular maintenance and upkeep.
• Work alongside the Activity Co-ordinator & Welfare Lead to ensure that additional equipment is available to support young and disabled participants.

Required Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.
• Rowing coaching qualification (e.g., British Rowing Level 2 or higher).
• Proven experience in rowing coaching or sports coaching with young people.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with young people, parents, and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate training sessions.
• A passionate commitment to youth development and the power of sport to change lives.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment where all young people feel supported and valued.
• Patience, empathy, and adaptability in responding to the needs of different participants.
• Flexible and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Youth Worker Qualification or equivalent experience in youth work or social development.
• Experience working with disabled young people or those with special educational needs.
• A driving licence and the ability to drive a minibus (if required for transport duties).
• First Aid Qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Familiarity with rowing equipment maintenance.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and Motivated: Passionate about inspiring and developing young people through the sport of rowing.
• Adaptable and Resilient: Able to respond to challenges and create solutions that meet individual and group needs.
• Approachable and Supportive: A positive role model who builds strong, trusting relationships with participants.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Dedicated to making rowing accessible to all young people, regardless of background or ability.

Other Information

• This is a full-time role with 40 hours per week, requiring flexibility, including some evenings and weekends, to accommodate training sessions and events.
• The role is based in Chester or within commuting distance, with occasional travel to schools and other venues.
• The Youth Rowing Coach will be provided with a personalised annual training plan and a training budget to support ongoing professional development.
• The role is subject to a DBS check and ongoing safeguarding training.

Further Details

This job description outlines the key responsibilities, skills, and experience required for the Youth Rowing Coach position. This role offers the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of youth development and rowing, changing the lives of young people in Chester through sport.

Rowing to Success is a project led by Love Rowing, British Rowing’s Charitable Foundation. Love Rowing is a trustee led charity that aims to transform lives through the sport, bringing new diverse communities to rowing. Rowing to Success is funded by the Westminster Foundation, an independent grantmaking trust and registered charity representing the charitable interests of The Duke of Westminster and Grosvenor businesses.

They focus their grantmaking on inspiring children and young people (0-25 years old) early in life to support the prevention of long-term systemic problems. They believe a child or young person will more likely experience sustainable change when those around them also engage. Their funding creates opportunities for families, communities and broader society to nurture and sustain young people over time. They use their support and resources to assist community organisations, educational institutions, and youth hubs as ‘local experts’ who can help young people to thrive in the long-term.

Project Overview

Love Rowing is launching a transformative programme called Rowing to Success, designed to reshape junior rowing in Chester. The programme aims to support young people, particularly from lower socio-economic backgrounds and young disabled children, by improving their mental well-being, life skills, and aspirations through rowing – a sport deeply connected to nature. The programme will provide young people with the opportunity to experience indoor and water-based rowing, support their continued participation in extracurricular rowing, and help them transition to ongoing rowing opportunities in the Dee-side clubs.

Role Overview

The Activity Co-ordinator & Welfare Lead will play a key role in the delivery of the Rowing to Success project. This part-time position will focus on coordinating the rowing programme across schools and supporting the welfare needs of the young participants. The post holder will work closely with schools, young people, parents, coaches, and partner clubs to ensure a smooth and supportive experience for all involved in the programme.

Key Responsibilities

1. School Engagement & Programme Coordination

• Promote the Rowing to Success programme to schools in Chester and encourage their involvement.
• Coordinate the logistics of young people taking part in both in-school and after-school rowing activities.
• Work with schools to resolve any challenges or barriers that may prevent students from participating.
• Ensure schools are aware of the programme’s timeline, health and safety regulations, and safeguarding requirements.

2. Participant Welfare & Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for young participants, their parents, guardians, and schools.
• Oversee child-centred conversations with young people, helping them address any concerns or challenges they face while participating in the programme.
• Work closely with the Youth Rowing Coach to ensure the welfare needs of participants are met, including facilitating discussions regarding transport, club membership, and equipment (e.g. rowing clothes).

3. Safeguarding, Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure the programme adheres to safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance regulations.
• Ensure all activities are inclusive and meet the diverse needs of participants, including those with disabilities.
• Maintain accurate records of safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate actions are taken where necessary.

4. Collaboration with Partners

• Collaborate with the Youth Rowing Coach and other key partners (e.g. schools, Chester Schools Together, Dee-side rowing clubs, and parents) to ensure the effective delivery of the programme.
• Liaise regularly with Love Rowing regarding programme delivery, participant feedback, and financial processes.

5. Transport & Logistics Coordination

• Ensure that transport to and from school and rowing club sessions is arranged for participants.
• Oversee the organisation and scheduling of transport and any associated logistics.

6. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Support the administration of pre and post-programme surveys for participants to track progress and assess impact.
• Coordinate and administer focus groups and 3-month surveys as part of the evaluation and impact assessment of the programme.

7. Equipment Management

• Ensure the safe and responsible use of rowing equipment at QPCRC, assisting with its maintenance and ensuring that equipment is suitable for use by young and disabled participants.
• Help in the planning and purchase of additional equipment to support participants’ needs.

8. General Administration

• Maintain accurate records of participant attendance, engagement, and welfare.
• Handle administrative tasks related to participant feedback, transport, and equipment.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience in working with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to actively listen, convey information clearly, and build strong relationships with schools, parents, coaches, and young people.
• Organisational skills with the ability to plan and coordinate activities, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Empathy and understanding towards the challenges faced by young people in low socio-economic backgrounds or with disabilities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding best practices, and ideally a safeguarding qualification (e.g., Safeguarding Children Level 1 or 2).
• Good digital literacy, including experience with using online tools for scheduling, communication, and reporting.
• A flexible, self-motivated, and proactive attitude to working in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• A genuine interest in promoting physical activity, youth development, and supporting young people’s mental health and well-being.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in rowing or water sports (or a willingness to learn).
• A qualification in youth work or related field (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Experience working with disabled children or young people.
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle (for transport-related duties).

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and Motivated: A proactive individual who is passionate about working with young people and using sport as a vehicle for personal development.
• Approachable and Empathetic: Able to form trusting relationships with young people and their families, providing support where necessary.
• Adaptable and Resilient: Comfortable in a flexible, dynamic role, with the ability to handle unexpected challenges.

Other Information

• This role requires flexible working hours, including some evenings and weekends, to accommodate school schedules and extracurricular activities.
• The post-holder must be willing to work in line with the programme’s needs and occasional travel between schools, the club, and other locations as required.
• The role is subject to a DBS check and regular safeguarding training.