Henley Rowing Club – Junior 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, with a structured boat purchasing plan, is renewed every year. Each squad has access to a range of boat types, some allocated, some shared.
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, sixteen girls and 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. Two of those previously gaining a GB junior vest, successfully race for GB at the 2023 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.
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 reachtheir potential.
● You are 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 Squad Coach will support the Junior Women’s and/or Junior Men’s Head Coach and be responsible for a range of athletes. There are two positions available within our junior squads.
The post holder will:
● Work with the Junior 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 events including heads and regattas as well as the annual Easter training camp.
● Give detailed feedback and technical support to individual athletes as well as strategicguidance to the squad as a whole following the strategic plan set by the Head Junior 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, Clubmembers 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:
4-5 hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings, 6-12 hours mid-week evening sessions and 8-10 hours administration time. This would equate to around £15,000 pa.
There are opportunities to financially supplement this role up to £10,000 pa by additional hours with the Junior 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.
To Apply
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: 9th September or as soon as possible after that date.
Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and we may interview before the closing date.
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 8th August 2023 to Saturday 9th September 2023
