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Head Coach / Head of Coaching

Kilmarnock Acro Gymnastics Club (KAGC)

Location: Kilmarnock

Up to 30 hours per week (negotiable and flexible)

Salary: from £30,000 to £37,500 FTE Dependant on experience

Reports to: Board of Trustees

A new opportunity has arisen for an experienced acrobatic gymnastics coach to join the fantastic team at Kilmarnock Acrobatic Gymnastics Club. Having recently moved to larger dedicated premises, we have an opportunity for a key coaching leadership role within our club.

You will ideally possess a minimum of level 3 (or above) acro coaching qualification and have a desire to lead a fantastic club with a superb population of gymnasts.

Job Specification:

The Head Coach or Head of Coaching at Kilmarnock Acro Gymnastics Club (KAGC) will be responsible for leading the coaching programme, ensuring the development of athletes and coaches, and maintaining high standards across all areas of gymnastics training. As the senior coach at the club, the Head Coach will play a pivotal role in the overall strategic direction of the club’s gymnastics programme, ensuring it aligns with the values and objectives of KAGC as a registered charity.

The Head Coach will report to the Board of Trustees and work closely with the General Manager and Child Protection Officer to ensure that the club offers a safe, supportive, and challenging environment for gymnasts of all levels.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Coaching Leadership:

Programme Development: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the club’s gymnastics programmes, ensuring they meet the needs of all gymnasts, from beginners to elite athletes.

Coaching Delivery: Oversee and deliver high-quality coaching sessions, ensuring that coaching methods are aligned with current best practices in acrobatic gymnastics.

Gymnast Development: Support the progression of gymnasts at all levels, identifying individual development needs and tailoring coaching to ensure athletes reach their full potential.

Talent Identification and Pathways: Develop and maintain pathways for gymnast progression, including talent identification programmes for those with the potential to excel in competitions.

2. Coaching Team Management:

Coach Development: Lead the development of the coaching team, ensuring coaches are provided with regular training and development opportunities, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and mentoring.

Performance Monitoring: Set and monitor performance targets for all coaching staff, providing feedback and support to help them improve and develop their skills.

Team Leadership: Act as a mentor to junior coaches, ensuring consistency in coaching philosophy, methods, and standards across the entire coaching team.

Coach Recruitment: In collaboration with the General Manager, participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new coaches to ensure that the club has a qualified and motivated coaching team.

3. Gymnast Welfare and Safeguarding:

Welfare and Safety: Work closely with the Child Protection Officer to ensure that all safeguarding protocols are strictly adhered to, maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all gymnasts.

Health and Wellbeing: Promote the physical and mental wellbeing of gymnasts, ensuring that training schedules are balanced and take into consideration the overall welfare of each athlete.

Risk Management: Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed during training sessions, competitions, and events, and that any incidents are reported and dealt with appropriately.

4. Strategic Development and Planning:

Strategic Input: Contribute to the long-term strategic planning of the club, working with the Board of Trustees to ensure the gymnastics programme aligns with the club’s vision and goals.

Goal Setting: Set clear, achievable goals for the gymnastics programme, ensuring continuous improvement in both athlete and coach performance.

Programme Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the coaching programmes and make adjustments to improve performance and outcomes.

Innovation: Stay up to date with the latest developments in gymnastics coaching, introducing new techniques and approaches to ensure the club remains at the forefront of acrobatic gymnastics.

5. Competition and Event Management:

Competition Preparation: Lead the preparation of gymnasts for competitions, including regional, nationwide, and international events. Ensure gymnasts are adequately prepared in terms of skills, routines, and mental readiness.

Event Coordination: Work with the wider team and event organisers to coordinate club participation in competitions, displays, and other events, including managing logistics and travel arrangements for gymnasts and staff.

Performance Reviews: Conduct post-competition reviews with gymnasts and coaches, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.

6. Parent and Stakeholder Engagement:

Communication with Parents: Maintain regular communication with parents, providing updates on gymnast progress, upcoming events, and any other relevant information.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, General Manager, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of the club and the development of the gymnastics programme.

Promote Club Values: Act as an ambassador for the club, promoting KAGC’s values of inclusivity, excellence, and community engagement.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Attributes:

Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities, with the capacity to inspire and develop both athletes and coaches.

Coaching Expertise: Extensive experience in acrobatic gymnastics coaching, with a deep understanding of technique, performance preparation, and gymnast development.

Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with gymnasts, coaches, parents, and external partners.

Organisation: Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and review training programmes and events.

Safeguarding Awareness: A thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection in a sports environment, with the ability to implement and uphold these policies within the club.

Qualifications and Experience:

Coaching Qualifications: A recognised Level 3 (or above) gymnastics coaching qualification in acrobatic gymnastics is essential.

Coaching Experience: Significant experience as a senior, lead or head coach in a gymnastics club, with proven success in developing gymnasts to a high level of performance.

CPD Commitment: A commitment to continuous professional development, including attending relevant courses, conferences, and maintaining up-to-date coaching certifications.

First Aid Certification: Hold a current First Aid certification or be willing to obtain one.

Safeguarding Certification: A valid safeguarding and child protection certificate or the willingness to undertake training.

Disclosure Certification: An up-to-date PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) certification is required for this role.

Desirable:

Experience coaching at a competitive level.

Knowledge of mental conditioning and sports psychology for athlete development.

The Head Coach will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of KAGC’s gymnastics programme, contributing significantly to the growth and development of gymnasts and coaches. Through effective leadership and the implementation of high-quality coaching standards, the Head Coach will help KAGC maintain its position as a leading acrobatic gymnastics club, while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all athletes. This role will also drive the club’s competitive achievements, helping to raise the profile of KAGC on both a local and wider level.

You will be supported by a fabulous team of coaches, volunteers and board trustees, and will be empowered to grow your career.

For more information or an informal, confidential conversation to find out more, please contact us via the email above to arrange a chat. All contact will be in the strictest confidence.

At KAGC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our team and enhances our ability to deliver excellent service.