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.
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