Role title: FUNdamentals Coach

Salary: £13.45 per hour (Scottish Living Wage)

Contract Type: Part time, 4 hours per week, Fixed term (subject to funding review)

Location: Glasgow Kayak Club, Firhill Basin (and winter venues: swimming pool and sports hall)

Reports to: Head Coach

Job Description & Person Specification: Download the PDF.

About the Opportunity

Glasgow Kayak Club is seeking an enthusiastic, fun and safety-conscious FUNdamentals Coach to introduce children (generally from complete beginners up to U12) to canoe and kayak sprint. As the first step on the sprint pathway, the role sits within the club’s Canoe Sprint Development Programme and is key to recruiting and retaining the next generation of paddlers.

In addition to delivering two fun, safe and engaging coaching sessions each week, the successful candidate will look after athlete safety, equipment and facilities, support recruitment and club events, and keep parents informed of their child’s progress – building water confidence, basic paddling skills and a lifelong love of the sport.

Key Responsibilities

Coaching & Session Delivery

• Plan and deliver two weekly coaching sessions for FUNdamentals athletes, using a games-based approach to develop fundamental movement skills, water confidence and basic paddling technique.
• Introduce athletes to K1, K2 and K4 boats in a progressive, age-appropriate manner.
• Deliver winter training sessions in the swimming pool and sports hall, focusing on water safety, fundamental movement and body-weight strength.
• Support young athletes to identify appropriate steps and pathways for themselves, while building a community of paddlers around them.

Safety, Equipment & Facilities

• Take responsibility for the safety and supervision of all athletes, maintaining safeguarding standards at all times.
• Ensure all sessions comply with club policies and governing body guidelines (Paddle UK/Paddle Scotland).
• Oversee the set-up, maintenance and storage of boats, paddles and safety gear, and assist with equipment packing for events.
• Open and close facilities for training sessions, ensuring the site is secure at the end of each session.

Recruitment & Club Events

• Play an active role in recruitment groups and come-and-try sessions to attract new young members.
• Engage in club events as required, representing the FUNdamentals programme.

Communication

• Maintain regular communication with parents regarding their child’s progress, session details and pathway opportunities.
• Report on athlete progress to the Head Coach and work collaboratively with the Progressing Paddlers Coach to ensure smooth transitions through the pathway.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Criteria

• A BCAB Paddlesports Instructor qualification.
• Able to complete a BCAB Level 3 Race Coach qualification within six months.
• A valid two-day first aid certificate, or able to gain one before starting.
• Completed the sportscotland CWPS safeguarding training, or able to complete it before starting the role.
• Experience working with children and young people in a coaching or educational setting.
• Understanding of canoe sprint fundamentals and basic paddling technique.
• Strong organisational, time management and communication skills, with the ability to connect with both young people and adults.

Desirable Criteria

• A BCAB Level 3 Race Coach or Performance Race Coach qualification.
• Experience of coaching sprint, or a background in canoe sprint as an athlete.
• Swimming teaching experience or qualification.
• Experience with winter training programmes (pool/hall based).
• Awareness of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles.
• Completed the sportscotland CWPO course.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your suitability to glasgowkayakclub@gmail.com.

Informal Enquiries: For an informal discussion regarding the role, please reach out to glasgowkayakclub@gmail.com.

Note: The successful candidate will be required to obtain a PVG Scheme membership through the club prior to commencing employment.

Closing Date for Applications: 23:59 on 5 November 2026