Sports Mentor

senploy; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Southampton seeks passionate Sports Mentors to support young people aged 11–16 in a nurturing environment. You will aid students in building confidence and life skills through engaging experiences. Ideal candidates are warm, proactive, and able to connect with youth, contributing to a transformative learning atmosphere. Offering competitive pay and comprehensive training, this role is set to begin in January 2026.

Benefits

Free Team Teach training

Specialist SEN training

Guided tours with management

Qualifications

• From a sport, youth work, or mentoring background, and passionate about supporting young people.
• Emotionally mature, calm under pressure, and intuitive in communication.
• Warm, nurturing, proactive, and resilient in their approach.

Responsibilities

• Supporting students through 1:1 and small-group coaching.
• Encouraging independence in daily activities.
• Building trusting, nurturing relationships.

Skills

Warmth and patience

Youth mentoring

Communication

Sports knowledge

Emotional resilience

Job description

Are you a warm-hearted, patient, and energetic person who loves helping young people grow in confidence? Do you believe that sport, fresh air, and meaningful connections can transform lives?

Quokka Education is proud to be working with a specialist SEN sports provision in Southampton, designed for young people aged 11-16 who find traditional school life challenging. This is not a typical school environment – it's a calm, nurturing space where relationships, trust, and small victories matter most.

The provision is seeking full-time Sports Mentors to join their close-knit, caring team from January 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves working with young people and wants to make a genuine difference every single day.

As a Sports Mentor, you'll play a vital part in helping students build confidence, resilience, and emotional well‑being through positive relationships and engaging experiences. Every day will bring variety, connection, and purpose.

Responsibilities

• Supporting students aged 11-16 through 1:1 and small-group coaching, helping them develop life skills, confidence, and motivation.
• Starting each day with a relaxed morning debrief, setting a calm and positive tone.
• Encouraging independence – from making breakfast to choosing daily activities that inspire curiosity and joy.
• Taking part in enriching experiences such as outdoor walks, gentle sports, fishing, and creative sessions.
• Making the most of fantastic facilities within a large rugby and cricket club, including paddle courts, squash courts, football pitches, and archery.
• Building trusting, nurturing relationships through patience, empathy, and consistency.

What to Expect

• A family-style team who care deeply about each other and the young people they support.
• A peaceful, relationship-led environment designed to help students re‑engage with learning at their own pace.
• A beautiful setting within a local rugby and cricket club, with access to incredible sports and outdoor facilities.
• Opportunities for off‑site activities such as fishing, walking, and well‑being sessions.
• Regular mentoring, reflection, and professional development, with plenty of support from experienced colleagues.

Who We're Looking For

• From a sport, youth work, or mentoring background, and passionate about supporting young people.
• Warm, nurturing, proactive, and resilient in their approach.
• Emotionally mature, calm under pressure, and intuitive when it comes to communication.
• Able to connect naturally with children and teenagers, building trust and respect over time.
• Motivated by the belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.

Start Date: January 2026
Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (with occasional early finishes at 3:10 pm)
Pay: £90 per day
Contract: 12‑week temp‑to‑perm pathway
Training: Free Team Teach and specialist SEN training provided
Location: Southampton (based within a sports club environment)

If you'd like to see what makes this setting so special, you're warmly invited to visit for a relaxed, informal chat and guided tour with the Director.