13 Player Development jobs in the United Kingdom

• Design and implement comprehensive training programs tailored to athletes of all levels, including junior, amateur, and professional players.
• Conduct individual and group coaching sessions, focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude.
• Identify and recruit talented players, actively contributing to the growth and reputation of the squash club.
• Monitor athlete progress, providing regular feedback and performance analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage and mentor assistant coaches, ensuring high standards of coaching delivery and professional development.
• Organize and lead training camps, tournaments, and team events, both domestically and potentially internationally.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Collaborate with club management and other departments to promote squash participation and engagement across the wider community.
• Stay abreast of the latest coaching methodologies, sports science research, and trends in the world of squash.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance training environment.

• Extensive experience as a professional squash coach, with a proven track record of developing successful players.
• Relevant coaching certifications (e.g., World Squash Federation Level 2/3 or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of sports science principles, injury prevention, and nutrition.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and motivational skills.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• Experience in player recruitment and talent identification.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by training schedules and competitions.
• Passion for the sport of squash and a commitment to athlete development.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive coaching strategy across all competitive e-sports titles managed by the organization.
• Recruit, train, and manage a team of highly skilled e-sports coaches, providing them with the resources and support needed for success.
• Design and oversee player development programs focusing on in-game skills, teamwork, communication, and mental resilience.
• Implement performance tracking metrics and analytics to monitor player and team progress, providing constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive and professional team environment that promotes continuous learning and peak performance.
• Collaborate with team managers and players to identify strategic advantages and counter-strategies within specific game metas.
• Stay at the forefront of e-sports trends, rule changes, and emerging technologies that impact competitive play.
• Manage player contracts and liaise with legal and HR departments regarding player welfare and development pathways.
• Organize and oversee remote bootcamps, strategy sessions, and performance reviews.
• Contribute to the overall strategic vision of the e-sports division, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Extensive experience in a senior coaching or management role within professional e-sports or a related high-performance team environment.
• Deep understanding of multiple popular e-sports titles, their metagames, and competitive strategies.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective player development programs and coaching methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent understanding of sports psychology, performance optimization, and athlete well-being.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with diverse individuals.
• Demonstrated experience in managing remote teams and fostering collaboration.
• A passion for e-sports and a commitment to ethical competition.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Sports Science, Psychology, Business) or equivalent professional experience.

The Head of Sports Coaching is responsible for leading, developing, and managing the coaching strategy and sports programs across all levels within the organization. This role ensures high standards of coaching delivery, athlete development, and staff performance while promoting a positive sports culture, well-being, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive coaching philosophy and sports strategy aligned with the organization's goals.

• Oversee the design, structure, and delivery of sports programs across all age groups and disciplines.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of coaching initiatives.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate sport into the broader educational or organizational mission.

Coaching Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of coaches across multiple sports.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

• Ensure all coaching staff adhere to safeguarding, health and safety, and ethical standards.

Athlete Development

• Oversee talent identification and athlete development pathways.

• Ensure inclusive practices and opportunities for all skill levels, from recreational to elite athletes.

• Monitor athletes' progress, well-being, and performance in collaboration with other departments (e.g., medical, academic, psychological support).

Operations & Compliance

• Manage coaching budgets, equipment, and facility usage.

• Ensure compliance with national governing bodies, health & safety, and safeguarding regulations.

• Organize and oversee competitions, tournaments, training camps, and events.

Communication & Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between coaching staff, parents, athletes, and senior leadership.

• Foster a positive sports culture that promotes teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.

• Represent the organization at local, regional, or national sports events and forums.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in Sports Science, Physical Education, Coaching, or a related field.

• Nationally recognized coaching qualification (e.g., UKCC Level 3+, NSCA, or equivalent).

• Proven experience in leading and managing coaching teams or sports programs.

Desirable:

• Safeguarding and First Aid certifications.

• Experience working in a school, academy, or professional sports setting.

• Experience with athlete management systems or performance analysis tools.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and planning abilities.

• Passionate about sport and athlete development.

• Ability to motivate and inspire both coaches and athletes.

The Head of Sports Coaching is responsible for leading, developing, and managing the coaching strategy and sports programs across all levels within the organization. This role ensures high standards of coaching delivery, athlete development, and staff performance while promoting a positive sports culture, well-being, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive coaching philosophy and sports strategy aligned with the organization's goals.

• Oversee the design, structure, and delivery of sports programs across all age groups and disciplines.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of coaching initiatives.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate sport into the broader educational or organizational mission.

Coaching Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of coaches across multiple sports.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

• Ensure all coaching staff adhere to safeguarding, health and safety, and ethical standards.

Athlete Development

• Oversee talent identification and athlete development pathways.

• Ensure inclusive practices and opportunities for all skill levels, from recreational to elite athletes.

• Monitor athletes' progress, well-being, and performance in collaboration with other departments (e.g., medical, academic, psychological support).

Operations & Compliance

• Manage coaching budgets, equipment, and facility usage.

• Ensure compliance with national governing bodies, health & safety, and safeguarding regulations.

• Organize and oversee competitions, tournaments, training camps, and events.

Communication & Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between coaching staff, parents, athletes, and senior leadership.

• Foster a positive sports culture that promotes teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.

• Represent the organization at local, regional, or national sports events and forums.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in Sports Science, Physical Education, Coaching, or a related field.

• Nationally recognized coaching qualification (e.g., UKCC Level 3+, NSCA, or equivalent).

• Proven experience in leading and managing coaching teams or sports programs.

Desirable:

• Safeguarding and First Aid certifications.

• Experience working in a school, academy, or professional sports setting.

• Experience with athlete management systems or performance analysis tools.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and planning abilities.

• Passionate about sport and athlete development.

• Ability to motivate and inspire both coaches and athletes.

Job Title: Behaviour Mentor with Sports Coaching Experience
Discipline: Behaviour Mentoring and Sports Coaching
Job Type: Short Term, Long Term – Flexible Working
Location: South Manchester (Tameside, Stockport)
Start Date: Immediately
Salary: £90 – £50 per day (inclusive of holiday pay)
Job Ref: BM/SPORT-SM
Contact: Aaron Ward, (url removed)

Behaviour Support/Sports Coaching Experience – Secondary Schools South Manchester.

Cover People are working with secondary schools in South Manchester seeking Behaviour Mentors with Sports Coaching Experience to support pupils who struggle to engage with traditional classroom learning. This role is a fantastic opportunity for sports graduates with relevant degrees, youth workers, or those with coaching experience to transition into education.

You’ll be working in class and in alternative settings with small groups of students, using physical activity and positive relationships to drive engagement and encourage emotional regulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support disengaged or challenging pupils in KS3 and KS4
• Use sports or structured activities to promote behaviour and self-esteem
• De-escalate challenging situations and implement positive behaviour plans
• Assist with PE lessons and extra-curricular clubs when needed

Essential Criteria

• Background in sports, coaching, youth work or behavioural support
• Recent experience teaching or sports coaching experience
• Passionate about helping young people overcome barriers
• Confident, calm, and resilient under pressure
• Right to work in the UK

Why Join Cover People?

• Daily pay rates from £90 50 depending on experience
• Free access to CPD, including behaviour management and de-escalation
• Opportunities for long-term placement or school-based training
• A route into teaching or pastoral careers

Safeguarding & Compliance

All successful applicants must:

• Hold (or be willing to apply for) an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service
• Provide two professional references
• Complete full employment history with any gaps explained
• Provide proof of right to work in the UK

Ready to Apply?

Please send your CV, with Job Ref: to Aaron Ward at (url removed).

All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS, safeguarding checks, and employment checks. Cover People act as the employment business on behalf of the school.

Behaviour Mentor with Sports Coaching Experience

Cover People are actively looking for full time sports coaches with UK based experience working with children, preferably aged 11-16 years old. We have schools in Bury interested in sports coaches looking to transition into mainstream education by becoming a Teaching Assistant/Behaviour Mentor, supporting children in small groups or on a one to one basis.

The role will be a long term basis in a Good rated secondary school in the heart of Bury to support and mentor children aged 11-16 in mainstream classes. The school look for versatile applicants who’d be able to engage young people despite potential challenges with behaviour, specific educational needs or SEMH needs.

In the first instance, you’d be booked for a one day trial day.

 The school is often complimented for being a supportive and welcoming community-led school.

Why should you consider this position through Cover People?  We take pride in the little things that matter most to you, we offer around the clock support from our helpful and friendly consultants who are always more than happy to help.

Benefits:

• We offer a pathway to working within mainstream schools
• Competitive pay rates
• Lucrative Referral Scheme
• On-going support from your dedicated Consultant
• Supportive SEND department and Senior Leadership team
• Full time position (phone number removed)pm Monday to Friday)

Requirements:

• A passion to work with children and young people
• Recent experience supporting children or sports coaching experience
• Person-centred approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Passion to impact students by creating a safe and productive environment for children

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. The above vacancy is a temporary position. Occasionally, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. We offer flexibility with this, as we understand some candidates may not wish to commit to a permanent contract.

Job Title: Behaviour Mentor with Sports Coaching Experience
Discipline: Behaviour Mentoring and Sports Coaching
Job Type: Short Term, Long Term – Flexible Working
Location: South Manchester (Tameside, Stockport)
Start Date: Immediately
Salary: £90 – £50 per day (inclusive of holiday pay)
Job Ref: BM/SPORT-SM
Contact: Aaron Ward, (url removed)

Behaviour Support/Sports Coaching Experience – Secondary Schools South Manchester.

Cover People are working with secondary schools in South Manchester seeking Behaviour Mentors with Sports Coaching Experience to support pupils who struggle to engage with traditional classroom learning. This role is a fantastic opportunity for sports graduates with relevant degrees, youth workers, or those with coaching experience to transition into education.

You’ll be working in class and in alternative settings with small groups of students, using physical activity and positive relationships to drive engagement and encourage emotional regulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support disengaged or challenging pupils in KS3 and KS4
• Use sports or structured activities to promote behaviour and self-esteem
• De-escalate challenging situations and implement positive behaviour plans
• Assist with PE lessons and extra-curricular clubs when needed

Essential Criteria

• Background in sports, coaching, youth work or behavioural support
• Recent experience teaching or sports coaching experience
• Passionate about helping young people overcome barriers
• Confident, calm, and resilient under pressure
• Right to work in the UK

Why Join Cover People?

• Daily pay rates from £90 50 depending on experience
• Free access to CPD, including behaviour management and de-escalation
• Opportunities for long-term placement or school-based training
• A route into teaching or pastoral careers

Safeguarding & Compliance

All successful applicants must:

• Hold (or be willing to apply for) an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service
• Provide two professional references
• Complete full employment history with any gaps explained
• Provide proof of right to work in the UK

Ready to Apply?

Please send your CV, with Job Ref: to Aaron Ward at (url removed).

All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS, safeguarding checks, and employment checks. Cover People act as the employment business on behalf of the school.