Head Coach - Men's 1XI/2XI Teams

England and Great Britain Hockey; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established sports club is seeking an enthusiastic Head Coach to lead its performance squad into the 2025/26 season. This role is perfect for someone passionate about hockey and community, eager to develop players of all levels while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The club prides itself on its vibrant culture and commitment to enjoyment in the sport. As the Head Coach, you will plan training sessions, attend matches, and collaborate with other coaches to maintain a unified philosophy. If you're ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Accommodation in West Hampstead

Financial contributions towards coaching qualifications

Flexible training schedule

Qualifications

• Proven ability to coach at a comparable level.
• Strong communication and people skills essential for team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a training program for the season.
• Foster a positive culture and manage team selection.

Skills

Coaching at performance level

Strong communication skills

Team management

Analytical skills

Inclusivity

Education

Coaching qualifications

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic, capable and committed Head Coach to lead our talented performance squad (1XI/2XI) for the 2025/26 season and beyond. After a successful few seasons with our previous coach, we are excited to welcome a new coach with fresh ideas to build on already strong foundations.

About the club:

West Hampstead Hockey Club (WHHC) is a vibrant and inclusive member-led club in North West London, with more than 250 active members playing at all levels in the London Area league.

We pride ourselves on our club culture, putting enjoyment and community at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to developing players of all skill levels and giving every player the opportunity to play to the highest standard they wish to, including performance level.

We combine our love for hockey and socialising with an active playing calendar across the year. In addition to the league fixtures, we participate in various cup competitions, summer leagues, multiple tours and put on casual mixed open days at our pitches in Brent Cross. During the season we make full use of our clubhouse in the heart of West Hampstead and have a packed social calendar.

About the teams:

The Men's 1XI had many seasons in the London Premier League but were relegated to London Division 1 at the end of the 2024/25 season. The aim for the 2025/26 season is to build on the team's strong foundations and create a playing structure that uses the talented and experienced players in the squad.

The Men's 2XI play in London Division 2 North and are coming out of a tough season in which they struggled for consistency while playing some exciting attacking hockey. Like the first team, the 2XI are hoping for a top-half finish, as they push for the promotion that has eluded them over recent seasons.

Both teams train together as a performance squad, with the aim of creating an environment in which players can successfully transition between teams to the benefit of the whole squad.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver a training and development programme for the 2025/26 season which includes pre-season training & fixtures, weekly training and adhoc video/whiteboard sessions.
• Prepare for and attend matches every Saturday, liaising with the Assistant Coach to ensure both teams are supported.
• Foster a positive culture that maintains a cohesive, motivated and high performing squad, allowing everyone to play to the best of their ability whilst having fun.
• Work closely with the wider coaches and captains in the Men's Club to maintain a unified coaching philosophy across the club and support talent progression.
• Manage selection in line with the Club's Selection Policy and alongside team captains & the Assistant Coach.
• Analyse match performance, using video where possible, to inform coaching decisions.
• Act as an ambassador for West Hampstead Hockey Club, representing the club's values at all times.

Key attributes:

• Proven ability to coach at a comparable level;
• Strong communication and people skills;
• Energy and enthusiasm for the role; and
• Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.

Whilst coaching qualifications are an important part of a development toolkit, we recognise that everybody comes to coaching in different ways, and are therefore open to receiving applications from coaches without recognised qualifications. However, please note, that we are unable to provide support with visa applications.

Remuneration:

A competitive package is dependent on experience and qualifications. Accommodation in West Hampstead and financial contributions towards coaching qualifications/flights can be discussed as part of the overall package.

We are always keen to welcome talented individuals to our club. If this role doesn't seem like the right fit for you, we still encourage you to explore other opportunities with us. Feel free to express your interest, and we will get back to you.

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early if we appoint a suitable candidate, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.