Volunteer Academy Athletic Development Coach

Organisation: Harlequin Football Club Ltd
Salary: N/A
Location: Cobham, Tooting & Mitchem, Cardinal Newman, Horsham, Ravenswood, Horsham
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 16 April 2026
Interview date: 30 April 2026
Job Description: Harlequins U15 Academy Programme – Volunteer:

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic volunteer Athletic Development Coach to support the physical development of players within the Academy Programme. This placement offers an excellent opportunity for an aspiring coach to gain practical experience within a professional academy environment while contributing to the long-term athletic development of emerging rugby talent.

The successful candidate will work closely with academy staff to deliver and support structured athletic development sessions, focusing on building robust, well-rounded athletes through evidence-based training principles. The role will involve consistent on-field coaching and player support throughout the season.

Given the nature of this role and the individuals you will be working with (U18’s), it will be subject to detailed reference checks.

The Key Responsibilities:
• Attend and support the Harlequins U15s training sessions throughout the season.
• Deliver on-field athletic development coaching aligned with Harlequins LTAD curriculum.
• Assist in player screening and testing when required.
• On field support during rugby sessions to coaching staff/academy athletic development coach.
• Collaborate with academy coaches and performance staff to ensure an integrated development approach.
• Contribute to creating an engaging, professional, and player-centred training environment.
• Possess a detailed understanding of and commitment to the highest levels of safeguarding to ensure the best and safest environment for everyone that comes into contact with Quins.

The Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed:

Essential:
• BSc in Strength & Conditioning, Sport Science, Coaching, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in youth athletic development and rugby union.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, professional, and able to commit to regular weekly attendance.
• Understanding of long-term athletic development principles.
• Full UK driving license.
• Clean enhanced DBS check.
Desirable:
• Currently completing a MSc Strength and Conditioning or a related discipline.
• Experience working with youth athletes or team sports environments.
• Clear understanding of LTAD.
• Current First Aid and safeguarding certification (or willingness to obtain).

Placement Details
• Programme: Harlequins Academy
• Location: Cobham, Tooting & Mitchem, Cardinal Newman, Horsham, Ravenswood, Horsham
• Commitment: Monday evenings throughout the academy season
• Remuneration: Voluntary position
• Start Date: August 2026 – Exact Date TBC
How to apply: Please submit a CV and a short covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to: jake.diserens@quins.co.uk Please include the following essential information in your CV: Full name, Contact email and phone number, Educational background & employment history, Additional skills or qualifications. Applications are open-ended; however, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.