Talent Academy Coach

University of Bristol; Maney; On-site; GBP 3,600 - 4,800; Part time

Job summary

The University of Bristol is seeking a passionate hockey coach to join the SEH Talent Academy. The role focuses on day-to-day coaching for one Boys/Girls group of about 25 athletes, delivering game-based, high-intensity sessions within the England Hockey Talent System.

The successful candidate will hold England Hockey Level 2 coaching accreditation and safeguarding, be capable of developing young players, and contribute to planning meetings with the lead coach and TA Head Coach.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience developing high-potential youth players in club and performance environments.
• Experience within the England Hockey Talent System or former player pathway.
• Active England Hockey Level 2 coaching accreditation and safeguarding certificate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, high-intensity, person-centred coaching for young athletes.
• Assist/coaching/umpire matches to support training groups.
• Use Individual Development Plans to shape targeted coaching interventions and review with video.
• Provide detailed developmental feedback and support formal feedback processes.
• Contribute to fair selection processes and ensure equal opportunities for all athletes.
• Collaborate with lead coach and broader coaching team to foster continuous improvement.
• Attend planning meetings for training and squad selection; communicate with Lead Coach and Talent Academy Head Coach.

Skills

High intensity coaching

Person-centred coaching

Video analysis

Feedback delivery

Team leadership

Education

England Hockey Level 2 Coach Award

Safeguarding Certificate

Tools

Video analysis tools

Job description

The University of Bristol is a top 10 university for sport. The Sport, Exercise & Health Department works with more than 70 student sport clubs, encouraging participation, enhancing the student experience & pursuing athletic performance, whilst supporting Academic excellence.

The Sport Exercise & Health Department (SEH) also foster strong community links, partnering with local schools, clubs & national governing bodies to deliver programmes from participation through to performance for the Bristol community.

The #Wearebristol hashtag demonstrates our ambition beyond university life, we want to be an organisation that can represent Bristol, that the city can be proud of. Leveraging the university performance environment, utilising high quality coaching & athlete development as a proud 'independent' organisation, the University of Bristol Talent Academy seeks to develop & support the widest range of young people in hockey in the Bristol area.

The Hockey Talent Academy, an England Hockey licensed Programme began life in September 2023 and is now in it's second year of operation, following a highly successful first year bringing together 55-60 young people from across the region for in the order of 280 hours of activity, on-pitch training, strength & conditioning training, development & competitive matches, off pitch game education & video review, sports psychology & nutrition classes.

The SEH Performance Team seek passionate, creative & highly skilled coaches to join our team. Building on established foundations, embracing the culture of excellence & people-focused development that exists today within both the Hockey Club & Talent Academy, the successful candidate will playing a key role in the continuation and enhancement of an inspiring, positive & supportive development focused performance culture at the hockey Talent Academy, mirroring that of the wider University of Bristol hockey & performance culture.

What will you be doing?

The post-holder will support delivery of 'day-to-day' coaching for one of the Boys / Girls groups of c.25 athletes within the 4 hours per week. You will deliver quality individual & team focused coaching according to the England Hockey Talent System Framework & in line with planning developed by the University of Bristol Head of Hockey, Talent Academy Lead Coach &/or Talent Academy Group lead.

The successful candidate will

• Deliver high-quality high intensity, person-centred coaching suitable for young athletes. Sessions to be game-based, representative learning, utilising other elements of the session design toolkit as appropriate.
• Assist / coach / umpire matches in support of training groups.
• Utilise Individual Development Plans to shape targeted coaching interventions. Use video & other tools as part of this.
• Provide detailed, developmental feedback to athletes that reflects both individuals learning objectives & observed performance. Support formal written feedback processes as well as informal feedback integrated within sessions.
• Contribute to fair and open, person focused selection processes, supporting all athletes with the same opportunities and an individual approach.
• Lead, work alongside lead coach & the wider coaching team, embodying a culture of continuous improvement, development & teamwork.
• Be part of planning meetings including for training planning, squad selection & communicate regulary with the Lead Coach / TA Head Coach.
• Communicate with participants & key stakeholders within their networks in an open, supportive, positive, collaborative manner,

You should apply if

The successful candidate should

• Bring extensive experience of developing high potential (young) players in club & performance environments & ideally significant experience working within the England Hockey Talent System or former player Pathway.
• Demonstrate a track record of connecting with young people, parents & other coaches and as part of athlete personal development & wellbeing.
• Have active accredited coach status with England Hockey, holding at minimum England Hockey Level 2 Coach Award, alongside an ability to demonstrate continuous personal development beyond this. Hold an up to date Safeguarding Certificate.
• Demonstrate experience of team-working / co-coaching with other coaches to deliver a safe, prosperous & high quality development environment.
• Be an excellent, rounded leader of people, focusing on developing a long-term culture of learning & performance. Be passionate about sport as part of a rounded lifestyle.

Additional information

Work pattern: Part time, 4 hours

Grade: F

School/Unit: Centre for Sport Exercise & Health

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 18/10/2026

The University SEH Performance team is more than happy to discuss the role informally prior to the application deadline. Please contact Martin Hicks ( [e-mail] ) with any questions.

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