Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Coach / WAG

Location: Northwich, Cheshire
Salary: £25,000–£30,000 per annum, depending on experience and agreed working arrangement
Hours: Approximately 18–28 hours per week, negotiable
Contract: Employed or self-employed, subject to agreement
Reports to: Directors

The Opportunity

An established gymnastics club in Northwich is seeking a passionate, ambitious and experienced Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) coach to lead and develop its competitive programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced WAG coach or an ambitious developing coach looking to take on greater responsibility, progress professionally and contribute to the growth of a successful competitive gymnastics programme.

You will work with an established squad of approximately 16 gymnasts, aged six and upwards, competing at regional and national levels. The programme follows the British Gymnastics National Development Programme (NDP), including Zinc, Tin and Copper grades, alongside the FIG pathway and selected out-of-age opportunities.

The successful candidate will help maintain continuity for the existing squad while identifying new talent, attracting additional gymnasts and building a strong, sustainable competitive programme.

The club is looking for someone who combines excellent technical coaching ability with leadership, initiative and a genuine commitment to helping young gymnasts develop in a safe, positive and professional environment.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Directors, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day delivery and long-term development of the competitive WAG programme.

You will have significant autonomy over training plans, coaching delivery, skill progression and competition preparation, supported by an established coaching team and the club’s wider professional network.

This is more than a coaching position. It is an opportunity to take ownership of an established programme, influence its future direction and create an environment where gymnasts can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the club’s competitive WAG programme.
• Coach and support the existing squad of approximately 16 gymnasts, maintaining continuity and encouraging individual progression.
• Plan and deliver structured, progressive training programmes tailored to individual gymnasts.
• Prepare gymnasts for British Gymnastics NDP grades, including Zinc, Tin and Copper, and support progression through the FIG pathway.
• Develop technical skills, routines and competitive performance.
• Monitor progress, evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Identify emerging talent and contribute to recruitment and squad development.
• Grow the programme through engaging, high-quality coaching.
• Manage competition preparation, entries, routines and performance monitoring.
• Communicate effectively with gymnasts, parents, colleagues and the Directors.
• Maintain appropriate coaching records, training plans and administration.
• Keep up to date with British Gymnastics handbooks, rules, regulations and competition systems.
• Attend approximately five to six competitions annually, including the North West Championships and relevant grades competitions.
• Support the club’s annual display and awards event.
• Collaborate with the wider coaching team and specialist professionals.
• Introduce ideas and initiatives that support the long-term development of the programme.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, gymnast welfare and professional conduct.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

The club would ideally like to appoint a Level 4 WAG coach whose technical knowledge and experience align with the requirements of the existing squad.

However, applications are also welcomed from ambitious Level 3 WAG coaches who have a strong track record of developing competitive gymnasts and are keen to progress towards Level 4.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant British Gymnastics WAG coaching qualifications appropriate to the responsibilities undertaken.
• A minimum of three years’ relevant gymnastics coaching experience.
• Current British Gymnastics membership and appropriate insurance.
• An up-to-date enhanced DBS check.
• Current safeguarding training.
• Mandatory flexibility training.
• Experience developing gymnasts and planning progressive training programmes.
• Experience preparing gymnasts for competitions.
• Strong communication, organisational and administrative skills.
• The confidence and ability to take responsibility for leading and developing a competitive programme.
• A proactive, positive and professional approach.
• A genuine commitment to gymnast welfare, enjoyment and progression.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Level 3 or level 4 WAG coaching qualification.
• Degree or master’s qualification.
• Recognised First Aid qualification.
• Mental Health First Aid training.
• Neurodiversity awareness or training.
• Experience across NDP and FIG competitive pathways.
• Experience leading squads, developing programmes or identifying emerging talent.

Additional qualifications are welcomed but will be considered alongside practical coaching experience, leadership capability and suitability for the role.

Working Hours and Flexibility

The club recognises that experienced coaches may have existing commitments, second jobs or other professional interests. Flexible working arrangements will therefore be considered, subject to the needs of the programme and agreement with the successful candidate.

The current competitive squad coaching commitment is approximately 18 hours per week, with the aim of increasing this to around 22–25 hours. There is potential for total working hours to reach approximately 28 hours per week.

The primary focus will be the competitive squad, with additional recreational coaching and wider programme responsibilities where appropriate.

Working patterns will mainly involve evenings and weekends, reflecting children’s availability outside school hours. Some daytime planning and administration will also be required, with further daytime opportunities potentially arising as the programme develops.

The precise hours, duties and contractual arrangements will be agreed with the successful candidate. Travel and accommodation support may also be considered where required as part of the agreed package.

Salary and Contractual Arrangements

The salary range is £25,000–£30,000 per annum, depending on experience, qualifications, responsibilities and the agreed working arrangement.

The club is open to discussing both direct employment and self-employed arrangements, depending on the candidate’s circumstances and preferences.

The final package will be agreed individually, taking into account working hours, coaching experience, qualifications and programme responsibilities.

An initial trial or review period will also be discussed and agreed to ensure the arrangement works effectively for both parties.

The Club and Coaching Environment

The successful candidate will join a large, established coaching team at a club competing across five gymnastics disciplines.

The club offers a collaborative working environment, with support from experienced coaches, a sport psychologist and specialist choreographers who can be brought in where required.

As the WAG lead, you will have significant autonomy over the programme while benefiting from the knowledge, experience and support of the wider team.

The Directors will provide relevant planning and pathway information for existing gymnasts, alongside ongoing support and opportunities to discuss programme development.

The club values teamwork, constructive communication and a positive coaching culture. The successful candidate will be expected to lead confidently while building strong relationships with colleagues, gymnasts and families.

Professional Development and Career Progression

The club fully funds and encourages continuing professional development and further coach education.

This provides an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Level 3 WAG coach to develop their qualifications and coaching experience through an agreed longer-term development plan.

For an appropriately experienced candidate, the position offers the opportunity to establish themselves as Head of WAG, take ownership of the programme and influence its future direction.

There will be scope to grow the squad, develop new talent, introduce innovative ideas and build a strong, sustainable competitive pathway.

What’s on Offer?

• £25,000–£30,000 per annum, depending on experience and agreed working arrangements.
• The opportunity to lead and develop an established competitive gymnastics programme.
• An existing squad of approximately 16 gymnasts.
• Autonomy over training plans, coaching delivery and gymnast progression.
• Flexible working arrangements, subject to agreement.
• Potential employment or self-employment options.
• Fully funded coach education and professional development.
• Support from an established multidisciplinary coaching team.
• Access to a sport psychologist and specialist choreographers where required.
• Opportunities to identify talent and grow the competitive programme.
• The opportunity to develop into, or establish yourself as, Head of WAG.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a confident, passionate and technically capable WAG coach who is ready to take ownership of a competitive programme and contribute to its long-term success.

You will bring relevant coaching experience, strong technical knowledge, excellent organisational skills and the ambition to take on a leadership role.

You will be proactive in developing gymnasts, identifying talent and creating engaging, progressive training environments. You will also understand the importance of safeguarding, continuity, positive communication and teamwork.

Above all, you will share the club’s commitment to providing a safe, fun, friendly and professional environment in which every gymnast has the opportunity to thrive.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced WAG coach or an ambitious developing coach looking for an opportunity to take on greater responsibility, we would love to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to join an established, supportive club, develop your coaching career and make a lasting contribution to the progression of young gymnasts.

Apply now to find out more about this exciting opportunity in Northwich, Cheshire.

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