Athletic Development Coach

Athlone Regional Sports Centre; Athlone; On-site; EUR 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading fitness facility in Ireland is seeking an Athletic Development Coach to co‑draft and implement a strategic vision for an Outdoor Fitness Park. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, developing diverse fitness programmes for varying ability levels, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess an AAI Level 2 certification and experience with performance‑tracking software. Flexibility for different work hours is required, along with strong organisational and coaching skills.

Qualifications

• Desirable AAI Level 2 certification.
• Experience with Training Peaks or equivalent performance‑tracking software.
• Strong initiative, organisational skills, and IT proficiency.
• Flexibility for weekend, weekday, and evening work.
• Background in coaching and training groups across varying ability levels.
• Knowledge of running safety, technique, and injury prevention.

Responsibilities

• Co‑draft and implement the park’s strategic vision.
• Build and manage programmes for runners and walkers of all levels.
• Create a seasonal master plan for park activities.
• Screen and assess participants to ensure safety.
• Motivate groups and organise events.
• Maintain high standards of running technique coaching.
• Manage assistant coaches to support training programmes.

Skills

Initiative

Organisational skills

IT proficiency

Knowledge of running safety

Coaching ability across varying levels

Education

AAI Level 2 certification

Tools

Training Peaks or equivalent software

Job description

Athletic Development (14 Hours per week)

Athlone RSC is one of Ireland's leading fitness facilities and has recently added an Outdoor Fitness Park. The centre is looking for an Athletic Development Coach responsible for co‑drafting and implementing a strategic vision for the park, overseeing day‑to‑day operations, and providing coaching.

• 5km trail with gradients (floodlit from 2024)
• 5km flatter route
• Outdoor gym equipment for adults
• Full‑size basketball court (opening 2024)
• Half‑size basketball court
• Picnic area
• Two 5‑a‑side soccer cages
• Sensory garden
• Skatepark (existing)
• Full‑size FIH standard hockey pitch (existing)

There is potential to develop more facilities, with space reserved for a functional fitness area and a family obstacle course. The role will support the park’s mission to enhance community ethos while generating commercial revenue to sustain the facility.

Responsibilities

• Co‑draft and implement the park’s strategic vision and oversee daily operations and coaching.
• Build and manage programmes for runners and walkers of all levels, including individual and group activities such as walkers, beginners (couch to 5k), fun runs, advanced running, family challenges, and senior programmes.
• Create a seasonal master plan for park activities, including pickleball, pétanque, walking soccer, basketball, soccer leagues, table tennis, orienteering, and team events.
• Screen and assess all participants prior to activity to ensure safety.
• Motivate groups, coordinate logistics, and organise events such as park runs, charity events, school programmes, athletics workshops, corporate wellness days, and community group activities.
• Maintain high standards of running technique coaching, injury prevention, and individual performance development.
• Manage assistant coaches as needed to support training programmes.

Qualifications and Candidate Profile

• Desirable AAI Level 2 certification.
• Experience with Training Peaks or equivalent performance‑tracking software.
• Strong initiative, organisational skills, and IT proficiency.
• Flexibility for weekend, weekday, and evening work.
• Background in coaching and training groups across varying ability levels.
• Knowledge of running safety, technique, and injury prevention.