Team England Para Surfing
Volunteer Coach Role
Job description
Surfing England
Surfing England is the sport’s National Governing Body (NGB) as recognised by Sport England and we look after all disciplines of wave riding from grassroots through to the elite, Team England, which covers squads from juniors, to longboard, to para, and beyond.
A key part of the journey for para-athletes looking to surf competitively, and at International events, is a place on the Team England Para Training Squad. The squad delivers a programme of training through the year, both in person and virtual workshops, aiming to develop its surfers to be the best athletes possible.
Surfing England’s Talent Plan for the next 6 years is detailed here: https://www.surfingengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Surfing-England-Talent-Pathway-Feb22.pdf
Role and Responsibilities
As a coach you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the training programme, working in support of the Head Coach (Andy Banks) and Team Manager (Phil Williams) – you will also have support from Surfing England’s Operations Manager (Hannah Brand). You will work with athletes across the team and provide more in-depth support to smaller groups, requiring detailed understanding of each athlete’s different needs and ensuring their athlete development and training programmes are in place and well structured.
You may also have the opportunity to support the team at training camps and competitions in the UK and worldwide, such as EuroSurf and the ISA World Para Surfing Championships. This can involve development of event specific training plans in the lead up, contest support through the event, and post event debrief learning and reflection.
The main aim of the Para Squad is to develop athletes to perform at the best they can, and into world-class surfers capable of representing England on a global stage. We aim to do this through creating a fun, welcoming environment which exposes the athletes to the technical, physical and mental demand of competing in elite sport.
Key responsibilities
- Support the Team Manager and Head Coach in the scheduling and delivery of training days and camps through the year
- Lead 1:1 and small group training sessions in and out the water
- Ensure training and competition plans are followed and developed for each athlete
- Contribute to the development pathway that brings talent from grassroots to elite level
- Support the team at competitions and camps
- Be a positive role model for the athletes and for Surfing England
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Proactive and can-do attitude
- Hardworking and good team workers
- Passionate about developing talent
- Experience of working with people with disabilities and delivering performance coaching
- Competition experience (desirable)
- Surf Coach qualification to ISA L2 or equivalent (or self-ambitions to gain higher qualifications)
- Beach lifeguard/lifesaving qualification (essential)
- Good level of physical fitness (due to the nature of being a para coach)
- Able to work in high pressure situations
- Great time management and well organised
To Apply:
Please send a video introduction (maximum 5 minutes) introducing yourself, why you would like to be involved and what you feel you can bring to the squad. Please also send your curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your coaching experience to lineup@surfingengland.org to apply for this role. Mark the subject ‘Para Coach’.
As part of the application process, please attach a copy of your Surf Coach and Lifeguard/Lifesaving Qualification to the email.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday 13th February.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 19th – Thursday 20th February (choice of in person or online).
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Andy Banks, Team England Para Head Coach – andy@surfingengland.org
Volunteer Protocols
Conduct:
Whilst registered as a volunteer for Surfing England you are representing surfing at the highest level and you will be:
- Subject to the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of Surfing England
- Expected to act with integrity and diligence
- Expected to support the overall aims and development objectives of Surfing England
Training:
All Volunteers working with the para squad will be required to undertake the following training, which will be provide by Surfing England:
- Safeguarding in Sport
There will be additional training on offer from time to time either provided direct or via partners such as UK Coaching.
Location and Time Commitment:
Team England Para are based across the country and throughout the world. We are keen to have coaches who are available in all these locations.
As part of the program, we aim to run a full day’s training once a month and a program of online meet ups and activities.
We would expect our coaches to make themselves available for at least 50% of the training sessions in England. Coaches must attend the English Para Surfing Open contest (2025 date TBC).
As a team, we attend the ISA World Para Surfing Championships (annual) and are looking to attend EuroSurf Para Surfing Championships in the future (awaiting information on the event). Both events run across a two-week period. Attendance at international events is not compulsory and will be selected by best fit for each event.
Package:
We are not currently able to commit to paying all coaches. At present we can cover out of pocket expenses and travel for all training sessions.
We are committed to helping the progression of coaching throughout the UK and as such are keen to support out coaches personal and professional development.
We are keen to encourage applications from both experienced coaches. And those with significant competitive and/or para surfing experience looking to develop their coaching careers.