Vacancy – Kent Crusaders Club and Academy Coach

Join a club with a proven track record of developing players and coaches. Former Kent Crusaders coaches have progressed into national team, professional and senior performance coaching roles.

Kent Crusaders and The Canterbury Academy are seeking an ambitious and motivated coach to join our growing basketball programme.

This is a unique opportunity to work within one of the country's leading club and academy environments, supporting the development of players from junior academy level through to national league and elite academy basketball.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Basketball and experienced coaching staff while receiving ongoing mentoring and professional development support.

We are looking for someone with good basketball knowledge, combined with strong interpersonal and leadership skills.  We pride ourselves as a club that puts people in the right situation with the support and mentoring to progress their basketball career.

Why Join Kent Crusaders?

• Work within an established basketball pathway spanning from mini ballers and junior national league teams through to elite academy basketball and senior teams.

• Receive ongoing mentoring from nationally recognised, experienced coaches and basketball leaders.

• Access opportunities for continued professional development and coach education.

• Join a club with a proven track record of developing coaches who have progressed into professional, national league and national team environments.

• Play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of basketball players and coaches.

• Former Crusaders coaches have progressed into professional basketball, national team programmes and senior leadership positions within the sport.

Career Development

We recognise that ambitious coaches want opportunities to grow. The responsibilities of this role can evolve based on the successful candidate's experience, interests and strengths, with opportunities to take on additional leadership, programme development and performance coaching responsibilities over time.

Location

The job will be based across Canterbury and Medway.

Responsibilities

• Assistant coach with the Men’s EABL and Women’s WEABL 6th Form Basketball Academies (16-19) at The Canterbury Academy. This will include team practices, national league games, leading individuals, video analysis and other associated roles.

• Coach within the Key Stage 3/4 Junior Basketball Academy (11-16) at The Canterbury Academy.

• Lead a junior national league programme as head coach.

• Contribute to the growth of basketball across Kent through community programmes, camps and development initiatives.

• Assist in the development and administration of Kent Crusaders basketball club and junior club teams.

• Approach coaching from a player development perspective.

• Work within the club’s framework and philosophy.

• Take a professional approach in the planning, preparation and organisation of their work.

• Build and maintain relationships with various partners in the community and within the club.

• Support and develop other coaches in the club.

• There will be further opportunities to develop this role dependent on the appointed coach’s strengths and interests.

Essential Criteria

• Basketball coaching experience within club, academy or performance environments.

• Strong understanding of player development principles.

• Ability to build positive relationships with players, parents, coaches and stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

• Basketball England Level 2 qualification or above.

• Full UK driving licence and access to transport.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience coaching National League players or teams.

• Experience using video analysis software.

• Experience working within an academy or educational setting.

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary of £26,000.

• Employed on a full time permanent contract.

• Access to employer pension.

• Mentoring and coach development opportunities, including support with CPD.

• Opportunities to work with elite academy and National League players.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge and understanding of the game of basketball and the operation of club basketball.  They must be a strong communicator with players and club personnel alike.  The role will require flexibility to work regularly at weekends.

The appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Check. References will be requested from your current/most recent employer and/or club.

How To Apply

Please send a copy of your CV and letter of application to Adam Davies no later than Monday, 29^th June to adam.davies@kentcrusaders.co.uk

We welcome prospective applicants to visit the academy and observe our programme prior to application. To arrange a visit or discuss the role informally, please contact Director of Basketball, Adam Davies on adam.davies@kentcrusaders.co.uk