Hockey Coach

We are looking for an enthusiastic Hockey Coach with a passion for the sport to support with hockey coaching. The appointed coach will be a central figure in achieving the College’s sporting aims by providing coaching and support of the highest quality, both personally and as part of the School’s wider coaching team. 

The sports programme at Eton College aims to cater for all pupils using Participation, Performance and Enjoyment as three principles by which to measure success. The purpose of this role is to contribute to the school’s sport programme; providing coaching, supervision and guidance.

If you are able to motivate and inspire players to reach their full potential we would be keen to hear from you. Eton College prides itself on a warm and friendly community, where staff our valued and all play a part in the College's future. 

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Working Hours

• This is a fixed term, casual position working during the 2025 Lent Half (6 January 2025 to 28 March 2025).
• Because of the casual status of this role the College is under no obligation to provide you with work or a minimum number of set hours each week. As a member of casual staff, requirements for your services will depend on a varying level of demand. You will only be paid for the hours you have actually worked as a casual employee. However, the likely working pattern is approximately 10 hours per week as follows:

      -  Tuesdays 2:20pm – 6:30pm;

      -  Thursdays 2:20pm – 6:30pm;

      -   and Fridays 2:15pm – 3:45pm.

• The hourly rate for the role is up to £33.46 per hour dependent on skills and experience, and the holiday pay will be calculated with reference to an entitlement of 5.6 weeks per annum (inclusive of bank holidays).

Main Duties

• Support the College’s teaching staff, who predominantly run our hockey coaching programme;
• Coach pupils hockey to a high level;
• Plan and deliver coaching sessions and activities.
• Assist with and run practice sessions;
• Develop and discuss tactics and strategies for both individual and team play;
• Research good practice of innovative and successful coaching;
• Provide feedback and give advice on players’ performance, physical and technical skill;
• Advise players on how to keep up a positive mental attitude and discipline, inspiring confidence and self-being;
• Foster good sportsmanship in all team players by resolving disputes and addressing any bad behaviour in a timely manner;
• Lend support to enhance hockey provision across all age groups;
• Ensure pupils train to a high level of health and safety at all times;
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in the role, the candidate should have:

• A demonstrable background in playing and/or coaching hockey to a high level;
• A hockey coaching qualification is highly desirable;
• An understanding and commitment to the highest levels of pupil welfare;
• An understanding and commitment to the aims and ethos of sport at Eton;
• Experience of coaching pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 is desirable;
• A passion for hockey;
• An enthusiasm for the opportunity to develop students’ games;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• An appreciation of the need for flexibility and patience when coaching;
• The ability to work with a variety of age groups;
• Confidence to work alongside Eton staff to assist with coaching and upskilling teachers.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.