WELSH FEATHERS HEAD COACH

UK Sport; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Wales Netball is seeking a Head Coach for the Welsh Feathers (Senior National Squad) to drive training, selection and competition planning through the Netball World Cup 2027 cycle and beyond. The role also owns coach development for Wales Netball across communities to performance levels.

The post includes leading a multidisciplinary team, mentoring age-group coaches and shaping a single national performance programme for all age groups, with safeguarding at the core.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a senior national squad.
• Proven ability to design national coach development programmes.
• Ability to mentor age-group coaches and align curriculum.
• Strong collaboration with national bodies and clubs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Welsh Feathers' training and competition programme, including input into the World Cup strategy.
• Plan and run an annual programme of training aligned to the pathway.
• Lead the Welsh Feathers in training games and major competitions.
• Provide IPPs to track athlete and team development.
• Be the first point of contact for Welsh Feathers athletes.
• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary support team.
• Identify talented athletes and boost Wales-eligible representation.
• Develop the 'Welsh Way' across the pathway.
• Coordinate with Super League and NPL coaches to support development.

Skills

Senior national squad leadership

Coaching programme design

Athlete development mentoring

Stakeholder liaison

Job description

About This Role

This is a new, full-time role, created to strengthen the link between the Welsh Feathers and the wider performance pathway as Wales Netball delivers Ymladd 2030. The successful candidate will lead the Welsh Feathers (Senior National Squad) into the Netball World Cup 2027 (Sydney) cycle and beyond, while also owning coach development across the whole of Wales Netball.

• Head Coach of the Welsh Feathers - leading the senior national squad's training, selection and competition programme.
• Coach Development - designing and running a national Coach Development Programme for Wales Netball, from community coaches through to the performance pathway.
• Age-Group Coach Support - providing mentoring, guidance and technical leadership to coaches working across the U17, U19 and U21 age groups.
• National Pathway Programme - producing a single national programme for all age groups, creating a clear 'golden thread' of playing style, curriculum and athlete development from U17 through U19 and U21 to the Welsh Feathers.

Terms of Appointment

• Role: Full Time, Permanent
• Remuneration: £40k-£45k (Depending on experience)
• Annual Leave: 28 days per year plus bank holidays
• Location: Cardiff with National and International travel required
• Reporting to: Head of Performance
• Direct Reports: Welsh Feathers Athletes

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Welsh Feathers Head Coach

• Lead the Welsh Feathers' training and competition programme, including input into the qualification and competition strategy for the Netball World Cup 2027 and beyond.
• Plan and lead an annual programme of training and development aligned to the qualification and competition strategy, from long squad selection through to major competitions.
• Lead the Welsh Feathers in training games and at all major competitions.
• Support athletes with Individual Performance Plans (IPPs) to ensure effective tracking and monitoring of athlete and team development.
• Provide a first point of contact for all Welsh Feathers athletes.
• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of Welsh Feathers support staff, including consultants and volunteers.
• Identify talented athletes and work with the performance team to increase the number of Welsh-eligible athletes competing in Super League and National League competitions.
• Contribute to the continuation and development of the 'Welsh Way', refining what it takes to win through a clear and progressive athlete development framework.
• Liaise with, for example, Super League franchise Head Coaches and NPL Head Coaches to support the development of Welsh Feathers athletes in these environments.
• Be an ambassador on the world stage for netball across Wales, ensuring relationships are in place with key stakeholders.

Coach Development Programme

• Design, own and deliver a national Coach Development Programme for Wales Netball, spanning community and club coaches through to performance pathway and Welsh Feathers level.
• Build a coach education curriculum and CPD calendar aligned to UKCC and other recognised coaching frameworks.
• Establish clear progression routes so coaches can see a pathway for their own development.
• Build relationships with Sport Wales, UK Coaching and other relevant bodies to support coach education standards and funding.
• Track and report on coach numbers, qualification levels and retention across the pathway.

Support and Guidance to Age-Group Coaches

• Provide mentoring and technical support to Wales Netball Centres, National Performance Academy, U19 and U21 coaches and their coaching staff.
• Run regular coach forums and CPD sessions for age-group coaches to share best practice.
• Contribute to the appointment and performance review of age-group Head Coaches, in partnership with the performance team.
• Ensure age-group coaches apply a consistent playing style, coaching philosophy and safeguarding standards across the pathway.

National Pathway Programme - The 'Golden Thread'

• Design and own a single national performance programme spanning U17, U19, U21 and the Welsh Feathers, so there is one clear, progressive curriculum of style of play, technical and tactical development, and athlete milestones.
• Define athlete development pathways and transition criteria between age groups and into the Welsh Feathers long squad.
• Work with talent identification and performance staff to track athlete progression through the programme.
• Regularly review and refresh the national programme with age-group coaches and the performance team.

General

• Uphold Wales Netball's safeguarding policies and procedures at all times, given the role's regular contact with age-group and young athletes.
• Work with the performance team to ensure the Welsh Feathers programme and the national pathway programme are reviewed appropriately at regular intervals.
• Contribute to the future identity and brand of the Wales Netball performance programme, fostering culture, reward and recognition for athletes, volunteers and staff.
• Undertake any associated duties, relevant to the role, to further the development of performance netball and coaching in Wales.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Wales Netball is committed to creating an inclusive culture, through fostering a diverse workforce. As part of your application, we have a voluntary equal opportunity form that would help us to achieve this, the form will be emailed once your application has been received.

Closing Date for applications: Midday on Sunday 6th September 2026

Interview Date: 21/22 September

Start Date: November (Date TBC)

For more information, please visit the website - https://walesnetball.com/job-vacancies/