Gloucestershire

Vacancy - Strength & Conditioning Coach

Invite applications for the following position

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH

The Gloucestershire Golf Union (GGU) is seeking applications for the position of County Strength and Conditioning Coach for our Junior squads.

Our broad objective is to support the development of players to the very top of the amateur game in England, and in recent years we have been successful in enabling that. We are looking to fully commit to this essential component of golfing performance by recruiting an exceptional individual to design and lead the implementation of a physical development programme for players under the age of 18.

The Role:
We are looking for somebody to work with our existing Performance Team of coaches and managers to design and then lead the execution of a programme that supports the physical development of players in a way that maximises their long-term opportunity to compete at the very highest level of amateur golf.

Typically, players enter our system at 12 or 13 years of age, and at present we are looking to develop an S&C programme that supports them through to the age of 18.

Experience has taught us that players often find it difficult to make a long-term commitment to an S&C programme, and as such, the successful applicant should be prepared to focus a significant proportion of their time on general education for all stakeholders, and the basics of pre-round warm-ups and nutrition.

The successful applicant will need to operate within specified cost constraints, and design a programme that takes account of differing levels of maturity, capability and motivation within the cohort of players that make up our Under 18, Under 16 and Under 14 playing squads.

Our players are located fairly widely across the County, with Bristol and Gloucester/Cheltenham being the main centres of activity. This may be also be a factor in relation to programme design and execution.

The Specifics:

• To work with the GGU Head of Performance, Performance Coaches and Team Managers to:
• Support and develop the GGU Performance environment;
• Define the skills, resources and materials required to support the on-going execution of the programme at each age/ability group i.e. who, how, what and why;
• Define the key measures by which we would track the success of the programme;
• Design and implement an optimal environment to meet the needs of each player;
• Develop effective player coach relationships;
• Conduct regular physical evaluations in line with key measures and feedback results to the GGU Performance Team; 
• Provide regular information and feedback to players; 
• Provide regular progress reports to the GGU Management Team;
• Contribute to annual reviews of the GGU Performance programme;
• Be proactive in the development of the GGU Performance environment and actively engage in future development, as evidenced by timely completion of tasks set by the GGU Coaching Lead, Squad Coach and/or Team Manager;
• Work within a multi-disciplinary programme;
• Support and drive a winning culture and strong work ethic;
• This list should not be seen as exhaustive. Other activities may be required in order to provide a highly effective service to the County. 

Expected Approach and Timeframe:

We are looking to commit to this programme for the longer term, and see it very much as something we would like to fully embed within our development process. As such, we are prepared, if necessary, to start slowly and build-up over time, testing and improving as we go. For example, we could choose to start with one of the younger age groups and develop the programme with them as they move through the system, whilst extending our coverage year-on-year to include further players as they come along.

If thought to be beneficial for both the initial take-up and long term sustainability of the programme, we could also spend time at the start of the process building the relevant levels of knowledge and skill within our existing management and coaching team before working directly with any players.

Essential Criteria, Experience and Knowledge:

• Accredited S&C coach through the UKSCA (or equivalent) or significant evidence of ability and willingness to gain accreditation within three months;
• Access to appropriate training facilities as required;
• Significant commitment to personal and professional development, as evidenced by current and comprehensive CPD records and plans;
• Documented and referenced experience of at least three years’ work in development systems in performance sport, preferentially with experience in golf;
• Significant knowledge of all areas influencing performance including nutrition and injury risk reduction;
• The ability to work with coaches and other specialists to produce appropriate plans and interventions for developing players;
• Able to connect with young people and their parents through appropriate personal communication skills;
• Can evidence and demonstrate ability and experience to functionally assess and interpret athletic movement patterns through performance based, static, transitional and joint assessment methods (e.g. Biomechanics, NASM CES, FMS).

Safeguarding and Protecting Children Requirements

This role has been identified as involving access to vulnerable adults and/or children and in line with GGU policy persons undertaking this role will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service Disclosure Check and must also have attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children course (SPC) or be willing to undertake one.

Like to know more?

If you would like to discuss any element of the role, please contact Dean Newbold the GGU’s Head of Performance on:

secretary@gloucestershiregolfunion.co.uk or 07936416775

How to apply ?

Send your CV and covering letter to Dean Newbold at secretary@gloucestershiregolfunion.co.uk. The covering letter should detail specifically how you meet the requirements of the essential criteria, experience and knowledge required for the role in no more than one page.

The closing date for applications is Friday 7th February 2025. Following the closing date for applications, we will conduct a selection process that may involve an interview at which you would be expected to present your proposals for an effective programme.

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