Junior Section Lead needed

We have an exciting opening for a new Junior Section Lead (JSL), to guide the development of our Avengers and Eagles sections. We are looking for an enthusiastic parent, player or volunteer to take on this position from May 2023 and will provide a suitable handover period with the existing Lead and all critical training for the role.

Abingdon Hockey club is a small, vibrant and friendly club open to all ages and all abilities. With around 90 U12 junior players (Avengers), 30 U18s (Eagles) and a further 100+ senior players, we cater for all ages and abilities, from those starting in their hockey journey, players looking to develop, to ex-internationals and everything in between.

• lead the junior development team to create opportunities for your people to get involved in hockey to the best of their potential and enjoyment, including initiatives to help build the junior section
• be committed to ensuring that training sessions are conducted to maximise participation, ensuring inclusion, diversity and equality inline with England Hockey best practise and safeguarding policies
• foster a sense of team spirit

• design and deliver the Club’s junior coaching programme
• coordinate the provision of training and coaching resources
• work with age group managers and coaches to provide the best and safest environment for all players
• support the integration of young players into senior training
• support the Junior Section Secretary in the administration of the section in accordance with GDPR requirements
• liaise with local clubs, schools and other bodies to coordinate training, events and festivals
• ensure representation on the Club committee

• having knowledge of England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey policies and procedures
• having a basic understanding of core legislation, government guidance and national framework for child protection
• having a youth-orientated focus with an ability to connect with and enthuse 6-13 year olds
• being approachable with good communication and interpersonal skills
• having organisational and basic administrative skills
• having personal initiative and resilience

Training on all these topics can be provided for those with less experience but a willingness to learn.

Please be advised that this position is considered to involve substantial contact with children. Under the provisions of Exceptions Orders to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, successful applicants will be asked to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service. An Enhanced Disclosure will contain information about criminal offences including convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. It will detail ALL previous convictions etc. including those usually regarded as “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This club has a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, and a copy can be found on the club's web site or on request from any club official. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working or volunteering for Abingdon Hockey Club. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences.

The Junior Section Lead will be reimbursed according to our standard Coaches package, at £30 per hour of coaching plus warm winter clothing for those chillier training sessions. Active training and development through England Hockey is encouraged and all training costs will be compensated by the club.

The JSL needs to be local to Abingdon and available to attend the weekly Friday and Sunday training sessions and events (September to April). Either the JSL, or a nominated individual, will be required to attend the Club monthly committee meetings to represent the interests of the junior section.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and would like to know more, please contact abingdonhc@gmail.com or abingdonavengers@gmail.com.