Henley Hockey Club is searching for a suitably qualified and motivated coach to lead the elite performance of the Ladies’ 1st XI team in the 2015/16 season.

Henley Ladies’ 1st XI is a competitive and high-achieving team in this hockey dense area. In seasons 2012/13 and 2013/14 they won the Investec Women’s Trophy, and made the semi-finals in 2014/15. This coming season they are looking to rebuild, having returned to South Division 2, and have a team that has a core of fit and talented players, with an additional mix of younger players and those with more experience, all of whom are highly committed.

Henley Hockey Club is a friendly, family-based club that has 1st teams playing at a high level, compared to other clubs of its size. It currently has four men’s and four ladies’ teams, but is always looking to develop. It also has a thriving academy section whose young people are beginning to progress into the adult teams.

Role and Responsibilities
1. Define and drive the vision and strategy for the Ladies’ 1st XI team, including strategy, tactics, playing principles, player recruitment, succession planning and elite youth development, within the confines of the agreed annual budget for the team
2. Full responsibility of the squad training programme for the duration of the season, including running weekly sessions.
3. Oversee all aspects of match play, including team selection and strategy in both league and friendly matches, including attending games
4. Provide input and feedback to members of the squad, developing players throughout the season and driving the performance of the overall group
5. Work proactively with the Ladies’ Club Coach, 1st XI captain (and other captains where appropriate) to select the 1st team squad, and to provide feedback to players where appropriate (e.g. non selection)
6. Work alongside the junior academy coaches (and attend some youth training sessions as agreed with the club) to identify gifted and talented individuals, and provide opportunities and exposure to participate in the elite group where appropriate for their player development
7. Help provide support and guidance to the Ladies’ Club coaching team by articulating and cascading 1st and 2nd team principles where feasible and possible

Qualifications and Skill Requirements
1. Applicants would hold a minimum of Level 2 Coaching qualification
2. Applicants would hold valid CRB, first aid and child protection certificates, to adhere to Club First status
3. Applicants must hold their own coaching insurance

Preferred Skills
Henley Hockey is looking to fill the role with an applicant who demonstrates:
1. Excellent strategic, technical and tactical knowledge of the current demands of 1st XI level hockey
2. The ability to create a vision and team strategy and implement playing principles that will deliver them
3. An ability to engage with, inspire and lead the wide range of athletes within the first team squad
4. An ability and willingness to support the wider ladies section to aid the development of the overall club
5. Effective communication skills to work closely with the whole club

To apply, please contact ladiesclubcaptain@henleyhockeyclub.co.uk