Head Coach

Swim England; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A competitive swimming club in Abingdon is looking for an inspiring Head/Senior Coach to lead their training program. The successful candidate will manage coaching, develop young athletes, and ensure compliance with Swim England standards. Essential qualifications include the Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate and at least 5 years of coaching experience. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting sportsmanship is key in this role. The position offers a full-time contract and competitive salary dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' coaching experience with swimming.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop coaching teams.
• Safeguarding training and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the swimming training program.
• Manage coaching delivery and ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Inspire and motivate swimmers at all levels.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Conflict resolution

Performance analysis

Education

Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Coaching Award

Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 3 Coaching Award

Job description

# Head CoachOrganisation:: Abingdon Vale Swimming ClubContract Type:: Self-EmployedQualifications:: Coaching Swimming: Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 2 Award: Coaching Swimming: Senior Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 3 AwardWorking Hours:: Full timeLocation:: AbingdonSalary:: Dependent on experienceClosing Date:: 26th February 2026 23:59Job Reference:: Head/Senior CoachAbingdon Vale Swimming Club (AVSC) in Oxfordshire is looking for an inspiring and experienced Head/Senior Coach to start as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing a competitive swimming programme.We are a friendly and ambitious SwimMark-accredited club with 180 swimmers from ages 8-26, with a strong Academy and eight competitive squads. Our swimmers compete in club champs and open meets; County, Regional, National and British championships; and a variety of regional leagues and galas, including the West Midlands Premier division of the Arena League and Thames Valley Junior League.The poolside team comprises 10 regular qualified coaches, including those with expertise in open water and land training. They are supported by an enthusiastic and proactive committee and other club volunteers. We are based primarily at Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, with excellent pool facilities, and the performance squads train regularly at long-course pools further afield. AVSC is committed to safeguarding all our members. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and must have or attend the UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children course.**Key Responsibilities:*** Lead and develop a comprehensive training and development programme that aligns with the vision and mission goals of the Club* Manage all the Club’s coaching delivery, ensuring that coaching is carried out in line with nationally expected practices, within the guidelines authorised by the Committee and maintaining high ethical standards* Mentor and develop a team of qualified coaches, ensuring that their knowledge, skills and qualifications are kept up to date* Contribute to the coaching support of swimmers at competitions and during squad training sessions* Foster a positive, respectful and inclusive team culture* Ensure compliance with Swim England policies, including Wavepower and Code of Ethics, and the AVSC Code of Conduct* Engage with the Club committee and membership in setting the direction and performance targets for the Club* Act as a team leader and role model for all coaches, effectively managing conflicts and differing opinions, and ensuring all coaches have clear objectives and are supported in achieving their professional development goals* Inspire and motivate swimmers at all levels and ensure that coaching at the Club promotes fitness, enjoyment and enables individuals to perform to the best of their ability* Evaluate and analyse performance data and competition results to inform training adjustments and strategies* Oversee the selection and preparation of swimmers for competitions at all levels, identifying individual strengths and areas for improvement* This Job Description sets out the main responsibilities of the role, but it should not be taken as a complete list of responsibilities**Qualifications and Experience:*** Essential - Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Coaching Award with a minimum of 5 years' experience* Desirable – Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate / ASA Level 3 Coaching Award* Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a coaching team, demonstrated through relevant experience* Experience in developing swimmers through to County, Regional and National levels* Safeguarding training and continuing professional development to meet current Swim England requirements* Experience/qualifications in land-based strength and conditioning would be an advantage**Personal Qualities:*** The ability to lead the development plan and effectively engage with all members of the Club with enthusiasm and ambition* A passion for motivating and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential* A commitment to promote the values of sportsmanship and teamwork* Responds effectively to changing circumstances and individual athlete needs* Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills to convey instructions, feedback, and motivation* Acts with integrity, maintains confidentiality, and represents the Club positively at all times* Problem-solving ability to handle challenges calmly, including resolving conflicts and adapting training plans as needed## How to applyPlease send your CV with a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and the names and contact details of two professional references via the apply button.All offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS clearance.## Required QualificationsThis vacancy may require the following qualifications:* Coaching Swimming: Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 2 Award* Coaching Swimming: Senior Swimming Coach Certificate or Level 3 Award