Head Coach

Overview

Help shape the next chapter of Clitheroe Dolphins Swimming Club. Our thriving community club in Lancashire is seeking a Head Coach who will deliver high quality coaching and lead an inclusive programme that supports swimmer development from grassroots to performance level.

Qualification: Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate, ASA Level 3 Coaching Award, or equivalent. Exceptional candidates who hold the Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 2 Award will be considered.

Working hours and Location

Part time (typically up to 15-20 hours per week, depending on programme requirements) on a zero hours/casual basis. Location: Clitheroe, Lancashire.

About the Club

Clitheroe Dolphins is a proud, community focused competitive swimming club in the Ribble Valley. After a successful tenure, our current Head Coach will step away from coaching at the end of the season. This creates an exciting opportunity for a new Head Coach to lead the club into its next chapter. We continue to grow our membership, supported by a strong pipeline of young swimmers and a committed team of volunteers. The club has a strong track record of performance - our swimmers consistently achieve success at county and regional levels, with several progressing to national championships.

The Role

We're looking for a Head Coach who will work with our Club Committee to oversee all poolside activity and ensure high quality coaching across the Club. Together, we'll shape and deliver a programme that helps every swimmer reach their full potential - from those early in their journey to those competing at higher levels.

What this role includes

• Leading our coaching structure and swimmer development pathway
• Coaching our performance squads
• Working closely with the Committee, volunteers and parents to maintain a positive, inclusive club culture
• Helping shape how the club develops as we continue to grow

What you'll deliver

Leadership and programme development:

• Plan and deliver a progressive training programme aligned with Aquatics GB's Optimal Athlete Development Framework (OADF)
• Develop and refine our squad structure to support long term swimmer progression
• Prepare an annual competition calendar suitable for all levels, from development to performance
• Set clear expectations for performance and support swimmers working towards county, regional and national targets

Coaching and team management:

• Lead coaching for our top squads, delivering high quality, engaging and technically strong sessions
• Support, mentor and develop our coaching and teaching team, encouraging continuous learning and consistent standards
• Facilitate regular communication with coaches and teachers to ensure alignment, a shared approach and safe delivery of training sessions
• Ensure smooth and well supported progression between development and performance squads

Club operations and communication:

• Work collaboratively with our Club Committee, providing input to committee decisions and updates on programme delivery where appropriate
• Build positive relationships with swimmers, parents, volunteers and partners
• Support swimmers at key galas and team events as agreed to provide constructive feedback
• Uphold and promote all club policies, including Swim England Wavepower and safeguarding standards

What we're looking for

• Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate/ASA Level 3 Coaching Award (or a strong holder of the Swimming Coach Certificate/Level 2 Award with relevant experience)
• Strong technical knowledge and a skills focused approach to coaching
• Experience in strength and conditioning/land training, or an understanding of how to integrate it into a swim programme is desired
• Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills
• The ability to lead, motivate and work effectively within a team
• A strong commitment to swimmer welfare, inclusivity and a positive club culture
• Willingness to support wider club events and activities

What you'll get

• The opportunity to shape a growing and ambitious club
• A supportive committee and engaged volunteer base
• Flexibility to bring your ideas and make a real difference
• A welcoming, community driven environment

What success looks like

In this role, success means strengthening our pathway, developing our coaches, and helping more swimmers achieve their full potential - including at county, regional and national levels.