Men's First Team Head Coach

England and Great Britain Hockey; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration negotiable

Level 2 coaching certificate funding

Initial 1-year contract with extension

Club committee support

Job summary

Huddersfield Dragons Hockey Club seeks an ambitious Head Coach for the Men’s 1st XI. You will design performance-focused weekly training, plan in-season programmes, and lead player development and recruitment to sustain league competitiveness.

You will build a high-performance culture within a supportive club and drive a distinctive Dragons style of play across squads. An England Hockey Level 2 coaching qualification is preferred, with funding available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience coaching hockey at a competitive club or university level.
• Strong understanding of modern tactical hockey and evaluating performance.
• Ability to build a high-performance culture while keeping a positive team environment.
• Holding or progressing towards England Hockey Level 2 Sessional-Coaching qualification.
• Excellent motivational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high quality, performance-focused weekly training sessions.
• Plan and deliver in-season programmes and January resets.
• Lead the selection process with input from the captain and ensure transparency.
• Prepare the team for league competition and lead from the sideline at matches.
• Support individual player development and recruitment across the club.
• Develop a Dragons style of play with other coaches and define roles.

Skills

Coaching hockey at competitive club/un

Tactical hockey leadership

High-performance culture

England Hockey Level 2 Sessional-Coach

Motivation & communication

Education

England Hockey Level 2 Sessional-Coaching qualification

Job description

Coaches

Men's First Team Head Coach

Huddersfield Dragons Hockey Club Storthes Hall Astroturf, HD8 0WA

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Huddersfield Dragons Hockey Club is a vibrant, inclusive, and highly motivated club committed to developing players of all skill levels. Our Men’s 1st XI has established itself in Yorkshire Open Division 1, maintaining its place in the league over several seasons. We are looking for an ambitious and inspiring Head Coach to lead the Men’s 1st XI into its next chapter.

As a smaller club with a wealth of talent, we are now entering an exciting new phase. We are looking for a Head Coach who can bring out the best in the talent we have in the Men’s 1st team, build a sustainable squad for the future and establish a distinct \"Dragons style of play\" to ensure we become highly competitive in the league and develop players throughout the club.

The ideal candidate will bring strong tactical leadership, strategic game play and a clear vision for player development. You will be responsible for creating a high-performance culture while maintaining the supportive and positive environment that defines the team and our club.

Key Responsibilities

• - Design and deliver high quality, performance-focused weekly training sessions


• - Plan and deliver effective in season programmes for the first half of the season and mid-season resets in January.


• - Lead the selection process with input from the team captain, maintaining transparent selection processes and pathways between squads


• - Prepare the team for league competition and lead from the sideline at all home and away fixtures


• - Support individual player development


• - Drive player recruitment across the club and support a clear pathway for player progression between squads


• - Work across the men's section with volunteer coaches to develop a \"Dragons style of play\", including an associated training philosophy and defined roles for each position.


• - Ideal Candidate


• - Proven experience coaching hockey at a competitive club or university level


• - Strong understanding of modern tactical hockey and the ability to evaluate player performance.


• - Ability to build a high-performance culture while maintaining an enjoyable team environment


• - Hold or be working towards an England Hockey Level 2 Sessional -Coaching qualification (funding for course available)


• - Excellent motivational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

What We Offer

• - A motivated, committed and fun squad


• - A welcoming and supportive club with a positive culture


• - The opportunity to shape the playing style and performance direction of a competitive team


• - Remuneration negotiable depending on experience


• - Support from an engaged club committee and wider club network


• - For the right candidate, the club will provide the opportunity and financial support (£240) to achieve a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Hockey.


• - Initial 1-year contract with an option to extend based on a performance review.