Henley Rowing Club – Junior Men’s Squad Coach

About Us

Henley Rowing Club is a vibrant, thriving, forward-looking club with a large and diverse membership. We have over 350 active members of all ages across our competitive, development and recreational squads. Most of the coaching is delivered from the towpath, covering a 3.5km stretch from Henley Bridge to Hambleden Lock, known locally as the “Henley Reach”.

Our fleet is well maintained and we have a structured boat purchasing plan. Each squad has access to a range of boat types, some allocated, some shared. The junior men’s squad currently uses Empachers, Hudsons, and Wintechs.

We have one of the UK’s largest and most successful, club-based Junior Squads that continues to grow and improve. Our junior members have an enviable record of wins and medals at National events, with many juniors having achieved representation for GB.

Over the last five seasons, six boys have gained GB junior vests at the Junior World Rowing Championships and the Coupe de Jeunesse. Several have gone on to row for leading US universities such as Yale, Princeton and the University of California, Berkeley, as well as leading UK rowing universities. One of those previously gaining a GB junior vest, has just been selected to race for GB at the 2022 World Rowing Under 23 Championships at Varese, Italy.

Our ambition for our junior squads is to foster the joy of rowing for all irrespective of age, ambition or ability and to continue to grow and develop the squad so all members can reach their potential.

About You

• You have competed or coached in at least one strong squad system and have achieved at a high level so you are credible as a coach at Club and National level and know what it takes to win at Club and National events.
•  You have a sound understanding of how to support and develop junior athletes to reach their potential.
• You are a Team player, inclusive and know how to foster a ‘whole squad’ ethos

In addition to the above you will hold the following, or be prepared to work towards achieving:

• British Rowing coaching qualification, minimum Level Two
• Full driving licence
• Trailer driving qualification/experience
• Powerboat RYA 2 or equivalent
• BR – Safeguarding and Protecting Children

About the Role

The Junior Men’s Squad Coach will support the Junior Men’s Head Coach and be responsible for a range of athletes.

The post holder will:

• Work with the Junior Men’s Head Coach to develop and deliver a training program, tailored to support athlete development and progression.
• Coach land and water-based training sessions.
• Undertake squad administration including BROE entries, communication with existing parents as to events, communication/meeting with parents of potential new joiners, advising parents on acquisition of single sculls, assisting in planning our Easter training camp and other tasks as appropriate.
• Attend some events including heads and regattas as well as the annual Easter training camp.
• Develop the Junior Men’s squad membership through working with our Schools Outreach programme and other initiatives.
• Give detailed feedback and technical support to individual athletes as well as strategic guidance to the whole squad following the strategic plan set by the Head Junior Men’s Coach.
• Assist with rigging and maintaining the fleet and be involved with the Captain and Boatman in the organisation of the boathouse.
• Work alongside effectively and communicate well with our team of coaches and squad representatives to build a cross-club approach and enable every coach to excel in their role.
• Communicate openly and frequently with the athletes in the squad and promote a positive squad culture.
• Work alongside effectively and communicate well with our welfare team, Club Officers, Club members and junior athlete parents.
• Promote excellence in junior rowing and maintain your own coaching education and development following British Rowing Guidance

The Rewards

This is a part-time position with an hourly rate commensurate with your experience and our ambition. We anticipate there being a yearly average of 25 hours of coaching and administration time per week. Ideally this would be four and a half hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 6 hours mid-week evening sessions and 10 hours administration time.

There are opportunities to financially supplement this role by additional hours with the Junior or Adult learn to row programmes, other club initiatives or by supporting other groups or individuals.

The role will be let on a self-employed basis.

This is an opportunity to be part of a club with a great track record, an ambition to continue to grow and improve, and help shape the pathway to it being recognised as a centre of excellence for rowing.

If you would like to know more, please email [email protected].

If you would like to apply, please send a covering letter with your supporting statement and CV to [email protected].

Starting date: As possible.

Applications will be reviewed on receipt

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and a valid Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Application Dates: From Tuesday 13th September 2022 to Thursday 13th October 2022