Development Coach - Dumfries - Scottish Swimming

Description

Overview

To deliver high-quality aquatics coaching at Dumfries Amateur Swimming Club in a safe, inclusive, and rural-context environment, supporting swimmers across Dumfries & Galloway (and from Cumbria) to reach their potential. The role will implement the club's Development Plan, working in partnership with the Head Coach and committee, and will reflect the principles of the Optimal Athlete Development Framework (OADF).

Main Roles & Responsibilities

• Deliver swimming coaching sessions for DASC squads in a safe and inclusive manner, aligned with the club's values and standards.
• Prepare, lead and deliver structured training programmes (pool + dry-land/technique) aimed at improving technique, fitness, competition readiness and performance.
• Implement the club's Development Plan in partnership with the Head Coach and committee, ensuring alignment with our mission, pathway and rural context.
• Apply the Optimal Athlete Development Framework and long-term athlete development principles within session planning and swimmer progression.
• Contribute to monitoring, review and development of plans to grow club membership, retain swimmers and enhance participation across our wide regional catchment.
• Support swimmers in regional, Scottish and national competitions — including managing travel, warm-up, race briefing, feedback and post-race reflection — recognising that our rural location often involves travel to meets.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Coach, other coaches and volunteers to ensure continuity of swimmer pathway from development squads to performance squads, maintaining high standards of communication and coordination.
• Maintain accurate records of sessions, swimmer attendance, progress and engagement; support parent/carer communication where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, welfare, child protection, PVG/Disclosure Scotland checks, and all club and Scottish Swimming governance.
• Commit to your own continuous professional development (CPD) as a coach, staying up to date with current coaching practices, technique development and sport science support.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Recognised swimming coaching qualification (preferably Level 2 or higher, or Level 1 with strong experience and intention to progress).
• Current safeguarding and child protection training (e.g. Scottish Swimming 'Safeguarding & Protecting Children in Sport' or equivalent) or willingness to complete before starting.
• Experience of coaching young swimmers (ideally aged 8-15) in a club or similar aquatic environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of competitive swimming strokes, drills, starts, turns, and racing skills.
• Excellent communication skills – able to motivate swimmers, engage parents/carers and collaborate with coaches/committee.
• A commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, positive environment for swimmers of all abilities.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings and weekends (including travel to competitions).
• Willingness to work in a rural-based club with a wide regional catchment (Dumfries & Galloway and Cumbria), and understanding of the unique aspects of club life in such a setting.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Experience of working in a club with a regional catchment and travelling to external meets.
• Knowledge of dry-land/land-based training programmes for swimmers.
• First aid qualification or willingness to obtain.
• Membership of Scottish Swimming or other governing body.
• Experience of or willingness to support club growth/marketing to enhance membership in a rural region.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking club with a strong reputation: DASC was recently recognised as a winner in the Scottish Swimming Club of the Year awards.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a club serving a rural region, helping swimmers from across Dumfries & Galloway (and Cumbria) to progress and excel.
• Work within a collaborative coaching team and club committee, with opportunities for CPD.
• Experience diverse competition environments across Scotland and beyond, supporting swimmer development in our rural-travel context.

Application Process

Please submit your CV and a short covering letter (max 500 words) outlining:

• Your coaching experience and qualifications.
• Why you are interested in this role at DASC.
• How you would approach coaching in a rural-based club with a wide regional catchment.

Send your application to: pres

Closing date: 15 March 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a short presentation in advance of interview. Interviews are expected to be held at a convenient time for the club and potential candidate and may include a practical coaching session as well as standard interview questions.

Dumfries Amateur Swimming Club is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All offers are subject to satisfactory PVG/Disclosure Scotland checks and confirmation that safeguarding course completed within last 3 years.