Position: Head Coach – Yorkshire PDG U16 Girls Reports to: Yorkshire PDG Programme Lead
Location: Yorkshire Region
Start Date: July 2025 Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 6th July 2025
Type: Part-time (Approx. 60-70 hours: 24 days per season)
Remuneration: Competitive – to be discussed with shortlisted candidates Contact Length: Initially 12 months. (To be reviewed for 26/27 Season)
Introduction
Yorkshire Rugby is seeking an ambitious and inspiring Head Coach to lead the U16 Girls Player Development Group (PDG) – a key part of the England Rugby talent pathway. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of female rugby talent across the region.
We are looking for a coach with the skill, experience, and emotional intelligence to lead a player-first programme. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of female athlete development and be passionate about helping young players explore their boundaries, grow in confidence, and progress in the game.
Job Purpose
To lead the delivery of the Yorkshire U16 Girls PDG Programme, supporting the holistic development of players and mentoring other coaches. You will help embed a consistent and player-centred approach aligned with the national pathway vision.
Key Responsibilities
• Plan and lead engaging, development-focused training sessions and oversee matchdays.
• Create a high-performance learning environment that challenges and supports all players.
• Deliver high-quality technical coaching in core skill areas: catch/pass, ball carry, tackle, and overall athleticism.
• Collaborate closely with support coaches and the programme lead to ensure unified delivery.
• Lead and delegate indoor sessions that focus on players’ holistic development (e.g., game understanding, mental skills).
• Provide tailored 1:1 support to players to emerging players back in their environments.
• Offer informal mentoring to club coaches to enhance coaching standards across the region.
• Supply session plans and resources at least seven days in advance to support assistant coaches.
• Deliver structured feedback to support the creation and progression of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Assist with player assessments and re-assessments as part of the PDG intake and tracking.
• Remain up to date with RFU national curriculum, vision, and themes to ensure alignment.
Key Attributes
• A leader who is confident in both leading and delegating.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a player-centred coaching philosophy.
• Demonstrates empathy and understanding of the unique considerations involved in coaching adolescent girls.
• Passionate about player and coach development and the wider goals of the England Rugby talent pathway.
• Proactive, organised, and detail-focused in planning and delivery.
• Ability to create player, coach and parent connections.
• Ability to differentiate coaching style and sessions to suit players wants and needs.
Person Specification
Essential:
• England Rugby Level 3 qualified, or minimum Level 2 actively working toward Level 3.
• Proven experience leading coaching environments and planning/developing training programmes.
• Saturday morning availability for coaching sessions.
• Understanding of female athlete development and the girl’s talent pathway.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with players, coaches, and stakeholders.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport.
• DBS check (or willing to undergo one).
Desirable:
• Experience in coach development or mentoring.
• Familiarity with contemporary talent development models and research-informed practices.
About the Programme
Now entering its fourth season, the Yorkshire U16 Girls PDG (previously known as DPP) is refining its structure to enhance quality and impact. In 2025/26, the programme will move from two centres to one, improving cohesion and elevating player and coach experience.
The programme will also support a group of emerging players in their club environments through ad hoc development sessions, ensuring inclusivity and flexibility in the pathway.
Our Objectives:
• Build a strong foundation of core rugby and movement skills.
• Foster creative, decision-making players capable of adapting in dynamic game environments.
• Equip players with the physical, technical, and psychological tools to excel at the next stage.
• Cultivate a coaching team with deep expertise in female talent development.
Vision: To inspire and equip players to reach their potential. Mission: To provide a world-leading development experience for high-potential players as they transition into senior rugby.
How to Apply
Please send a covering letter and rugby CV to: GirlsDPP@Yorkshirerfu.co.uk
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit a video of themselves coaching one of the following core skills: catch/pass, carry, or tackle.
