Sports Mentor/Coach

Quokka Education; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local alternative sports provision near Southampton seeks a full-time mentor to support young people aged 9-16. The role involves 1:1 mentoring, encouraging independence, and promoting emotional wellbeing through various activities. Starting in January 2026, the position offers £93 per day with opportunities for personal development and a supportive team culture. This environment focuses on building trust and connection, ensuring a rewarding experience for both mentors and students.

Benefits

Free training including Team Teach certification

Supportive team culture

Opportunity for permanent position

Qualifications

• Background in sport, youth work, or mentoring is preferred.
• Ability to connect with young people.
• Willingness to contribute to a caring and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Support students aged 9-16 through 1:1 mentoring and light physical activities.
• Encourage independence in daily tasks.
• Join in with outdoor and creative sessions.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication

Job description

Overview

Are you the kind of person who believes sport can change lives? Someone who loves seeing young people find confidence, connection, and joy – often for the first time in a while? We're working with a brilliant Hampshire-based sports provision supporting young people who thrive through movement, mentoring, and trust. This isn't a school – it's a local alternative sports provision that gives students a chance to reset and rebuild. It's a calm, caring environment where every day begins with a smile, a chat, and a sense of belonging. Relationships come first and progress follows naturally.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting students aged 9-16 through 1:1 mentoring and light physical activity.
• Building trust, confidence, and emotional wellbeing through patience and consistency.
• Starting each morning with a relaxed debrief, setting a positive tone for the day.
• Encouraging independence – from making breakfast to choosing activities that spark joy.
• Joining in with outdoor walks, fishing, gentle sports, or creative sessions.
• Making the most of the incredible facilities at a local rugby and cricket club.

What Makes Them Special

• A warm, family-style team who care deeply about the young people they support and each other.
• A peaceful setting surrounded by open space and nature.
• A relationship-led approach where young people are seen and supported, not pressured.
• Opportunities for outdoor learning, wellbeing, and reflection.
• Genuine mentoring, development, and investment in your growth.

Who You’re A

• You've got a background in sport, youth work, or mentoring – but most of all, you care.
• You bring patience, humour, and empathy to everything you do.
• You communicate calmly and connect easily with young people.
• You believe small moments – a chat, a laugh, a goal scored can make a big difference.

The Details

• Full-time from January 2026 (8:30am‑3:30pm).
• £93 per day with a 12‑week temporary to permanent pathway.
• Free training, including Team Teach certification.
• Supportive, reflective team culture – where you're valued as much as the students.
• Located on the outskirts of Southampton, close to the M3 with good transport links.

If you'd like to see what makes this setting so special, come and visit. Grab a coffee, meet the team, and see the impact for yourself. If you know someone who’d be perfect, refer them to us – we'll pay you £100 once they've worked 10 days.

Quokka Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be vetted in line with DfE guidance, including online searches for shortlisted candidates.