The successful candidate will be responsible to: Northumberland CB, Newcastle Falcons & North East Regional Player Pathway Group (RPPG)

**OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME**

The Developing Player Programme (DPP) is a three-way partnership owned by the RFU and delivered by Regional Academies (RAs) and Constituent Bodies (CBs) (Counties). The DPP 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.

**OUTLINE OF ROLE**

* Managing the Northumberland DPP, ensuring collaborative working to achieve the objectives of the programme.

* Oversee the delivery of the DPP within Northumberland, working closely with lead coaches to ensure that sessions are delivered to a high standard and that they have the necessary resources to achieve the objectives of the delivery plan.

* Be responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with key stakeholders

**KEY TASKS**

* Produce an annual Northumberland DPP delivery plan in collaboration with key partners.

* Produce and manage the budgetary requirements of the annual delivery plan.

* Plan, organise and deliver all playing opportunities to a high standard within the DPP.

* Support the curriculum for the DPP to ensure that all delivery centres are working within a co-ordinated manner and so that there is consistency in what is being delivered to players.

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

* Ensure effective communication to key partners, players and parents involved in the Northumberland DPP.

* Attend Northumberland Representative Rugby Committee meetings.

* Attend North East & Cumbria Regional Player Pathway meetings.

* Manage the nomination and selection process.

* Devise and deliver an induction for all new players and parents to ensure that they are fully informed as to the purpose of the DPP and how it will be delivered.

* Plan CPD activities for DPP coaches as well as providing the opportunity for club and school coaches to attend sessions.

* Work with clubs and schools within the Northumberland DPP catchment to provide coaches and teachers with the opportunity to attend area sessions.

* In collaboration with key stakeholders, identify coaches to join the programme and work with lead coaches in the areas to make sure that at least the minimum staffing levels are maintained so that the delivery of the DPP is not compromised.

* Plan ‘off-pitch’ activities to help develop the knowledge base of parents and players around areas of nutrition, S&C and rehabilitation.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALITIES**

* Will complete the RFU Headcase online learning and Play it Safe workshop before or upon appointment.

* A current RFU DBS certificate will be required before being appointed.

* Understands the current player pathway and the key stakeholders involved therein.

* Self-motivated, committed, enthusiastic to player development and rugby union.

* Can lead and manage people and create a positive working environment for players and volunteers.

* Demonstrate significant commitment to their personal and professional development both cross-sport and sport specific (evidence of this commitment is highly desirable).

* Understands player-centred coaching and can adapt coaching style to meet the learning style of the participant (evidence of this is highly desirable).

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

* 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 develop and nurture collaborative, effective and productive working relationships (both internally and externally) working towards the objectives of DPP.

**SALARY**

The Northumberland DPP manager will receive annually £2,000 for the role and will be supported with required kit and equipment.

**HOW TO APPLY**

Applications should be sent to: Claire Sharpe, County Adminstrator, Druid Park, Woolsington, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 8DF.

Applications close at noon on Friday December 20, with interviews in early January.