Senior Athlete Development Lead

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Training facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Athlete Development Lead in Kimberley to guide the holistic growth of youth athletes, covering technical, physical, mental, and academic aspects. You will collaborate with coaches, parents, and educators to implement development pathways and ensure athletes reach their potential.

Qualified candidates hold a master's degree in a related field and at least six years of athlete development experience, with a track record in mentoring staff and delivering structured

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in athlete development or coaching with youth.
• Proven ability to design and deliver structured development programs.
• Strong understanding of talent identification, skill acquisition, and LTAD principles.
• Knowledge of sports psychology, strength & conditioning, and nutrition for athletes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a holistic athlete development framework for youth athletes in Kimberley.
• Oversee the technical and tactical development programs for assigned sports disciplines.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches to design physical training plans.
• Guide sports psychology, mental skills training, and character development.
• Monitor athlete progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
• Coordinate with parents and educators to align development goals and progress.
• Identify and recruit talented young athletes for the academy's programs.
• Support athletes' academic commitments with educational partners.
• Mentor junior coaches and development staff within the academy.
• Stay updated on best practices in youth athlete development and sports science.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Talent identification

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Sports Science / Kinesiology / related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading sports academy in Kimberley, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Athlete Development Lead. This crucial role involves guiding and nurturing young athletes, fostering their holistic development both on and off the field. The Senior Lead will be responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive athlete development pathways, encompassing technical skills, physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and academic support. Based in Kimberley, you will work closely with coaches, parents, and educators to ensure athletes receive the highest level of support and guidance to reach their full potential. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a profound impact on the future of sports talent in the Kimberley region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a holistic athlete development framework for youth athletes in Kimberley.
• Oversee the technical and tactical development programs for assigned sports disciplines.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches to design and implement appropriate physical training plans.
• Provide guidance and support on sports psychology, mental skills training, and character development.
• Monitor athlete progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
• Liaise with parents and guardians to ensure alignment on athlete development goals and progress.
• Identify and recruit talented young athletes for the academy's programs.
• Work with educational institutions to support athletes' academic commitments.
• Mentor and guide junior coaches and development staff within the academy.
• Stay updated on best practices in youth athlete development and sports science.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sports Science, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in athlete development, coaching, or a related role, preferably with youth or junior athletes.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering structured development programs.
• Strong understanding of talent identification, skill acquisition, and long-term athlete development principles.
• Knowledge of sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and nutrition for athletes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with athletes, parents, coaches, and stakeholders.
• Experience in mentoring and developing coaching staff.
• A passion for youth development and a commitment to fostering positive sporting environments.
• Familiarity with the Kimberley sports community is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and opportunities for advancement.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Professional development opportunities, including coaching certifications and workshops.
• Access to excellent training facilities and resources in Kimberley.
• A rewarding environment focused on shaping the future of athletes.
• Opportunity to contribute significantly to the local sports landscape.
• Supportive team culture dedicated to athlete success.