If you are a UKCC Level 2 coach who is looking to develop yourself through CPD and would like support working towards your Level 3.

If you are the type of coach who keeps the player at the centre of the learning process and understands their needs.

Who grasps the principles of play and can coach them through adaptive games.

Who is enthusiastic and positive and can support players through peer and self-reflection, and who wants to help develop other coaches to do the same.

Then YOU are the sort of person we’re looking for to coach in our Developing Player Programme.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

We require Lead Coaches to facilitate the running of our DPP centres and to support other DPP coaches.

The Developing Player Programme is aimed at players aged between 13 and 15 who have been identified by their clubs and schools as possessing the potential to play at a higher level. It is the first rung on the Player Development Pathway, with those showing the right skills and attributes at the programme’s conclusion accessing the Northumberland County Programme and Newcastle Falcons Academy System.

The DPP Programme is committed to providing a high quality, player development experience which encourages lifelong participation in the game, and enables those with the greatest potential to be clearly identified and developed further.

Alongside the Developing Player Programme there is also the opportunity to develop those coaches who are willing to be open-minded, player-centred and to coach in the Newcastle Falcons Way.

**REMUNERATION**

These roles are uniquely funded by Newcastle Falcons and RFU, and this will be discussed at interview. Coaching Kit will be provided as well as access, free of charge, to all Newcastle Falcons CPD

**KEY TASKS**

• Ensure effective communication with the DPP Manager, Newcastle Falcons Academy, support coaches and players and parents involved in the DPP.

• Work with the DPP coaching team, establishing and maintaining effective coach to coach relationships and create a sense of unity, centred on the programme objectives and motivations.

• Monitor programme delivery to ensure it meets the needs of the players and the objectives of the programme.

• Ensure that the DPP coaches are using benchmarking in providing ongoing individualised practice plans and feedback to all players within the programme.

• Continually self-reflect on own coaching practice, and monitor and evaluate the coaching practice of others to challenge delivery with an aim of improving player experience.

• Commit to ongoing formal and informal personal development and training to ensure that delivery practices, skills and knowledge are as current as possible.

**SKILLS AND EDUCATION**

**ESSENTIAL**

• Has an understanding of player-centred coaching and can adapt coaching style to meet the learning style of the participant.

• Is committed to using adaptive games as a means to accelerate the players’ learning.

• Has achieved the UKCC Level 2 Qualification with a desire to gain Level 3.

• Can demonstrate significant experience in coaching talented young players.

• Must be registered under the RFU Coach License Scheme.

• Has an outstanding ability to communicate effectively with the players, parents and coaches to assist them with self-reflection and setting of appropriate personal development goals.

**DESIRABLE**

• Holds a valid First Aid Certificate.

• Is computer literate – able to communicate effectively using email and maintain player databases.

• Has knowledge of physical and psychological development of young people and can work with specialists to implement appropriate development plans for maturing players.

• Ability to self-generate and maintain high levels of motivation; display initiative, tenacity and resilience and to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Understands the current playing pathway at Under 13 to Under 15 and the key stakeholders involved therein.

**APPLICATION DETAILS**

To register an interest potential applicants should forward a CV and covering letter to **lpatton.northdpp@outlook.com** .

Please include:

• A brief indication of your talent development philosophy and coaching philosophy.

• Details of two separate referees, together with relevant contact details.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact Lawrence Patton, the DPP Manager, on the same email address to arrange a suitable time.

Applications should be submitted no later than Midday on Friday December 16.

The successful candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check and to comply with the appropriate RFU Regulations.