Coaching and volunteering

I want to start coaching, what do I need to know?

Coaches are needed at every level, and whatever the reason you want to become involved in coaching, the most important attribute to have is enthusiasm! Coaches can be influential on a number of different levels, from helping an older person become more mobile and stable on their feet, through to guiding a performer from local to regional standard.

It is important that any coach leading a sports session is trained and committed to provide a fun, high quality learning experience for his or her participants.

To become qualified to coach, you must attend a sports specific coaching award in a particular sport. To find out what courses are available for your preferred sport contact the governing body directly. The Active Humber website has a list of all national governing body contacts, who will advise you on which courses you should attend:

Active Humber (external website) 

The minimum requirements which many employers now expect is that in addition to your sports specific qualification you also have:

• a DBS check (Formally CRB) (if you are working with young people and vulnerable adults)
• attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children Course (formerly child protection) and
• an up to date First Aid qualification (attended within the last three years).

It is also advisable to have attended a disability awareness course and an equity in your coaching course.

To book onto any of these generic coaching awards, contact Active Humber who run specific courses that are listed on their website:

Active Humber (external website) 

UK Coaching is the national organisation for coaching. It provides support to coaches and more guidance on how to become a coach. See website below for more information:

UK Coaching (external website)

How do I become a volunteer?

There are a number of ways that people can volunteer in sport, here are a couple of examples:

1. Volunteer with a local sports club:

Many voluntary sports clubs have now registered with the East Riding Volunteer Centre (ERVAS) and have their volunteer opportunities listed on the national volunteer opportunities website, do-it.org:

do-it.org (external website)

Please visit the website where you can conduct a search in your locality of the opportunities available. You can then register your interest on-line.

2. Volunteer directly with the Health and Wellbeing team:

We run a range of projects throughout the year where we need volunteers to help them run well.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, the please complete our volunteer application form:

Volunteer application form (pdf 119kb)

All volunteers are required to undertake a DBS check, so please arrange this a few weeks prior to you wanting to start your placement.

What does sports development work involve?

The main aim of sports development work is to increase participation in sport and physical activity for all ages and abilities in local communities. This involves working with in partnership with a number of agencies, e.g. schools, clubs, voluntary groups, National Governing Bodies of sport etc.

Sports development work is varied and there is no standard job description. Different officers have different roles and responsibilities.

Sports development work may include:

• strategic planning of particular projects
• liaising with appropriate partners
• monitoring and evaluating projects
• writing reports
• assessing the impact of programmes
• establishing links between schools and sports clubs
• organising and delivering training for teachers, clubs or coaches
• working in partnership with local agencies, organisations to provide sustainable sporting opportunities
• providing support and advice to schools, clubs, play groups on a number of development issues, such as funding, training etc.

A typical path into sports development initially involves volunteer work and then progression to an assistant sports development officer. Once you have gained experience within this role and have developed your skills, you should be able to move on. The minimum number of years experience to gain a sports development officer role is usually about two years.

Sports development working hours typically include unsociable hours. Examples of this might include holding evening meetings with clubs, or weekend work such as tutoring a training course. Working flexible hours is a requirement of the post.

For further information, please email the Health and Wellbeing Service at: sportplayarts@eastriding.gov.uk

All of our jobs are posted on the East Riding Jobs website.

East Riding Jobs (external council website)  

Are there any coaching opportunities? 

We are always on the look out for flexible, qualified sports coaches no matter what the sport. We have various coaching programmes where sports coaches are often recruited to on a sessional basis, including: 

• Skip 4 Life - a skipping programme in Primary schools.
• Twilight football - a youth diversionary programme delivered on Friday nights to reduce anti social behaviour.

This is just a start, but there are many more coaching schemes and opportunities. 

We do have certain requirements of our coaches, these include: 

• Qualification – minimum level 2 National Governing Body (NGB) qualification, or working towards
• A current  DBS check
• Valid Safeguarding course and Emergency First Aid trained
• Able to deliver coaching across a range of ages including 8 – 12 year olds 
• Having their own transport
• Willing to travel to sessions around the East Riding of Yorkshire.

You can view current vacancies and coaching opportunities on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council jobs website. 

East Riding Of Yorkshire Council Jobs (external council website) 

Are there any work experience opportunities available?

We offer a number of placement opportunities for people over the age of 18 years. Due to the high demand for placements, we cannot always guarantee a placement with us and you will need to complete an application form stating why you would like gain experience.

If you are interested and would like to find out more information please visit our work experience page.