Job Description
This is an exciting time in the world of Boccia, with the advent of new medal opportunities for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In recognition of this expansion in the game, Boccia UK is looking to build and develop its professional coaching workforce as it moves towards Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
To achieve this goal, the Boccia UK is now looking to increase the provision of high-performance coaching services, to enhance the delivery of the training, development and competition programmes of athletes nominated onto the sport’s Talent Transition Squad in Great Britain. This new programme aims to accelerate the number of athletes transitioning from Home Nation squads into Boccia UK’s World Class Programme. It will focus on a selected number of athletes, to help assist and support them through the performance pathway, to become the
World Class Programme athletes of the future.
We are keen to hear from candidates with sound coaching experience of boccia and/or sports coaching. Boccia Coaching
Qualifications
not essential however, applicants should be prepared to enrol on a Boccia Coaching award if not already qualified.
Role Summary
Leading the development of athletes across the Talent Transition Squad, the contractor will contribute to the enhancement of a performance culture and provision of high-quality coaching support through:
1. To create an environment and programme that optimises and accelerates athletes learning and development through coaching practice.
2. Performance coaching delivery to athletes (1-1, Group sessions/remotely and at Talent Camps / WCP Integration camps)
3. Supporting the tracking of athletes against individual action plans, performance benchmarks and relevant testing protocols for Boccia UK
4. Working closely with UKBF Head of Performance Pathway, Performance Coaches and support staff including supporting UK Boccia WCP when appropriate
5. Providing competition support in all match cycle areas to nominated athletes.
6. Liaising with Home Nation/local coaches over athletes’ development
7. Carrying out such duties deemed to be consistent with the demands and responsibilities of the role.
8. Contributing to the development of a high-performance team
9. Develop and transition athletes onto the UK Boccia WCP
10. This role will include domestic and international travel and will require extended hours including evenings and weekends
Candidate Specification
Requirements
Essential Desirable
Qualifications and Training • A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Physical Education, Sports Coaching, Sports Development and /or Sports Science
• A Level 2 Boccia coaching qualification (or willing to complete within 6months) • A recognised coaching qualification in a similar or relevant sport
Knowledge and Experience • Experience of coaching target sports and open skill games
• Experience of working with high performance athletes with a disability
• Demonstrate a strong and current understanding of athlete development.
• Evidence of supporting the implementation of individual athlete’s programmes at performance level
• Evidence of working successfully within a high-performance team • Experience of coaching in a Paralympic sport environment
• A knowledge and understanding of the game of Boccia
• A knowledge and understanding of classification in the Paralympic environment.
Skills •
Good coaching and administration skills, including, planning, problem solving and decision making particularly in the competition environment.
• To be able to demonstrate highly effective communication skills that meet individual needs and learning styles and adapts coaching style and interventions accordingly.
• Supporting the monitoring of athletes against the development profiles, performance benchmarks and relevant testing protocols.
• Have good planning, interpersonal and IT skills (Microsoft Office, Dartfish etc.) to produce reports and manage own administration.
• Ability to develop strong, effective working relationships with athletes, parents, carers and teammates.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure
Other qualities • Integrity, drive and enthusiasm
• Outstanding commitment to the development of the sport at the elite level
• Commitment to equality and diversity
• Personal commitment to build meaningful relationships with athletes and staff that help support the development of young pathway athletes.
• To always perform an ambassadorial role for Boccia UK, with all stakeholders to enhance the reputation of the sport.
Boccia UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all athletes. As such, the successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. As this is not an employed position by Boccia UK, the successful candidate is required to have their own insurance.
For more information go to www.boccia.uk.com/jobs
How to apply
To apply, please send: 1. A CV of no more than two sides of A4 2. A supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4, giving specific evidence of your ability to meet the key responsibilities and person specification and your reason for application. The closing date for applications is 10 February 2023. Boccia UK will assess each application against the person specification and select who to invite for an interview. Candidates will be notified if they have been shortlisted for interview by email no later than 15 February 2023 and interviews will be held on 23 February 2023. If you have any questions around the role, please contact liz.fisher@boccia.uk.com Further details about the format of the interview will be provided to shortlisted candidates. References will be taken up for the successful candidate.