How clubs should write a coaching job advert (with template)
Candidates decide in seconds whether an advert is for them. The clearer your advert is about teams, hours, pay and checks, the fewer unsuitable applications you will sort through.
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What a good advert answers
- Which team and level: for example men's 1st XI in a regional league, or under-14 girls.
- Time commitment: training nights, match days, season dates.
- What you offer: paid, expenses, accommodation, help with travel, a playing place. If you state a pay range, state it honestly; if not, say how pay will be agreed.
- Qualifications: name the qualification you need, or say "or equivalent" if you will accept other countries' awards.
- Checks: say which background or safeguarding check the role requires, such as a DBS check in England or a Working With Children Check in parts of Australia.
- How to apply and by when.
Template
Copy and adapt. Replace everything in square brackets.
[Club name] is looking for a [role title, e.g. Head Coach, Women's 1st XI]
About the club
[Two or three sentences: location, number of teams, league level, home pitch, club values.]
The role
- Lead [number] training sessions a week on [days] and match days on [day], [season dates].
- [Main responsibilities: selection, session planning, working with assistant coaches, junior links.]
- Report to [role, e.g. Director of Coaching].
What we offer
- [Paid role / expenses / player-coach arrangement / accommodation support]
- [Pay range or "Pay agreed according to experience and qualifications"]
- [Kit, coach education support, travel]
What we are looking for
- [Qualification, e.g. FIH Level 2 Coach Award or national equivalent]
- [Experience, e.g. coaching adult teams at regional league level]
- Willingness to complete [safeguarding check and training required for the role]
How to apply
Send [CV and a short cover note / application form] to [email] by [date].
Interviews: [dates or "rolling"]. Questions: [named contact].
Things to leave out
- Requirements about age, gender, nationality, marital status or appearance that are not genuine requirements of the job. Many countries restrict these in recruitment; check the employment rules where the role is based.
- Vague phrases such as "competitive package" with no detail at all.
- Internal politics. Save the club history for the interview.
Next step
Once applications arrive, see interviewing and hiring a club coach.