Guildford Talent Academy: LEAD Coach (Girls)

England and Great Britain Hockey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A local sports organization in Guildford is seeking a Lead Coach for their Talent Academy. The role involves leading on-pitch coaching, selecting talent, and providing feedback in a development-focused environment. Ideal candidates will have a minimum EH coaching qualification and experience in competitive settings. Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter by October 17, 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum EH (or equivalent) Coach qualification.
• Proven experience in competitive hockey coaching.
• Strong communication and empathetic engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead coaching sessions for the Guildford Talent Academy.
• Select squad members and provide feedback to stakeholders.
• Coordinate training and off-pitch education programs.

Skills

Coaching qualification (EH or equivalent)

Strong communication skills

Experience in competitive hockey

Ability to engage with diverse audiences

Education

EH Coach qualification

Job description

Guildford Talent Academy: LEAD Coach (Girls)

SHARE

To lead the on-pitch coaching of the Guildford Talent Programme, and to lead the Talent Academy Squad in fixtures and training between September 1st 2025 and August 31st 2026.

Contract Term: October 2025 to 31 July 2026

Contract Status: Self Employed

Fees:

• Coaching Days £150-£215
• Coaching Evenings £85
• Travel expenses incorporated within contact fee.

Talent Academy Programme

Guildford Talent Academy is one of the 24 club-hosted Talent Academies operating nationwide for the highest potential players aged 15-18. Their responsibility is to:

• Deliver outstanding environments that nurtures top-level players for international hockey
• Offer consistent, high-quality coaching and competitive match day experiences
• Supporting individual players through player profiling, individual development plans and regular coach feedback

Lead Coach Role

Key responsibilities:

• Select the Talent Academy squad and provide feedback on selection decisions to schools and clubs, publish selection decisions on GHC website and share with County Hockey administrators and England hockey.
• Plan all training sessions and lead the coaching teams and ensure an excellent player experience throughout the process.
• Deliver pitch sessions cognisant of the Complete Player Qualities and the development of players’ Hockey IQ as outlined in the Talent System Framework.
• Plan and coordinate, working with Talent Programme Lead and Director of Hockey, the off-pitch education programme for the cycle
• Act as lead coach for all TA fixtures, co-ordinate selection, coach matches,
• Lead the coaching team for the Guildford Talent Academy team at the Talent Academy festival

Feedback & Communication

• Provide timely feedback to all players, including video feedback using match footage.
• Implement and regularly review individual feedback plans for players during the April-August period.
• Communicate effectively with players and parents about selection, planning, and the squad in general.

Other responsibilities

• Work with club and school coaches to manage player load.
• Work closely with England Hockey to ensure alignment between the Guildford Talent programme and the England Hockey talent priorities.
• Attend England Hockey Talent Academy Inductions, workshops and conferences

What we are looking for?

• Candidates must hold, as a minimum, EH (or equivalent) Coach qualification.
• We are looking for committed, enthusiastic, inspirational, and highly skilled individuals who demonstrates integrity, professionalism and have the desire and ambition to nurture and develop our talented young players.
• Our coaches must be self-starters, who can deliver exceptional development experiences in a talent development environment to our high potential young hockey players.
• Our coaches have evidence of coaching in competitive hockey environments and development of players with highly skilled actions.
• Our coaches are strong communicators, with ability to engage with empathy across a range of audiences (players, parents, coaches, Talent Lead, local clubs/schools etc) on a regular basis & disseminate information using a variety of methods.
• Our coaches understand the needs and safeguarding requirements for our young athletes and deliver a safe environment for their leaning at all times. They should have awareness of mental wellbeing in young players in the talent environment and EH anti-doping direction.

Please submit a CV (up to 2 pages) and a 1-page cover letter explaining how your experience meets the role's requirements.

Please email [e-mail] with your application no later than 17 October 2025.