Men's 1XI Coach / Player Coach

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club is seeking a dynamic 1XI Coach or Player Coach to lead its 1XI. Reporting into the Men's Club Captain, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality coaching sessions, devising and implementing strategic training programs, and fostering a culture of excellence and achievement within the club's 1XI.

Sutton Coldfield is a community-based club, with Woman's, Junior and Men's sections. We run 9x Men's XI teams on Saturdays across the Midlands leagues plus 2x Badgers teams. We proudly champion our junior players who develop and play key parts of our Men's Saturday teams.

Our 4-year vision is to build the foundations to establish our 1XI in the Midlands Prem, pushing for promotion to the National league., Coaching and Training:

• Plan, organise, and deliver elite-level coaching sessions for the 1XI focusing on technical skill development, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning.


• Develop and implement structured training programs tailored to the specific needs and goals of individual players.


• Provide feedback, guidance, and support to players to facilitate their development and performance improvement.


Player Development:

• Work closely with the Senior Club Coaches plus SCHC Junior Coaches to ensure alignment of coaching methodologies and player development pathways.


• Conduct regular player assessments and evaluations across HiPo players to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide targeted interventions.


Team Management and Leadership:

• Lead and inspire 1XI players with a strong sense of purpose, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.


• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect among players and staff.


• Collaborate with the Mens Club Captain to set team goals, strategies, and performance standards.


Competition Preparation:

• Prepare 1XI for competitive fixtures, tournaments, and league matches by implementing effective game strategies and tactics.


• Analyze opponents' strengths and weaknesses to develop game plans and scouting reports.


• Attend 1XI matches and provide in-game coaching and support to maximize team performance.
  
  FIH Level 2 or GB Sessional Course qualifications or higher coaching qualifications, or equivalent experience.


• Have played at International or National Level & can still play at National/Mids Prem level (Only if applying for Player Coach)


• Proven track record of coaching 1XI hockey teams with success at regional or national levels.


• Excellent technical knowledge of hockey tactics, techniques, and game strategies.


• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire players and staff.


• Experience working with youth players and developing talent through structured coaching programs.


• Ability to work collaboratively with club officials, coaches, players, and parents to achieve common goals.


• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying abreast of developments in field hockey coaching and sport science.
  
  This position may require evening and weekend work to accommodate training sessions, matches, and competitions.


• The coach will be required to travel to away matches and tournaments as necessary.


Employment conditions & Pay:

• Self-Employed basis


• Pay rates & length of contract to be negotiated based on weekly committed time, number of sessions and relevant experience.