Purpose

• The NSW Waratahs Academy Youth Programs Manager & Coach is responsible for leading and delivering talent development and age grade team programs for 14-18 year olds.
• Working as part of the NSW Waratahs Professional Rugby department and reporting to the NSW Waratahs Head of Pathways, the role works closely with key stakeholders including schools and clubs/districts/SJRU/CJRU/NSWJRU through high quality communication, consultation and collaboration.
• The position plays a critical role in developing and retaining rugby talent in NSW for the NSW Waratahs and Australian Rugby. The role is directly responsible for the integration of talented youth from the age of 14 through Academy teams and Academy programs into the senior Academy and NSW Waratahs main squad.
• The success of the NSW Waratahs Academy program will be determined by the success of NSW Waratahs age grade teams, national age grade team representation and outcomes of player transition/graduation from a NSW Waratahs Academy player into a productive and valued member of the NSW Waratahs professional squad.

Key Accountabilities

LEAD THE IDENTIFICATION OF YOUTH TALENT, PROGRAM COORDINATION AND COACHING OF THE NSW WARATAHS YOUTH ACADEMY PROGRAMS (AND SUPPORT THE COACHING OF OTHER ACADEMY PROGRAMS)

• Coordinate and manage NSW Waratahs Youth team programs (U14, U15, U16, U18) including:
  • Plan schedules and facility bookings
  • Coordinate and communicate with schools, clubs and organisations regarding facilities
  • Act as the lead contact for all logistical matters
  • Manage budgets and service provision
• Ensure that there is an alignment in coaching methodology between the NSW Waratahs Youth Academy programs and teams (U14, U15, U16, U18) and the NSW Waratahs Senior Academy and Men’s professional program
• Implement and lead the coaching of nationally designed core and specific skill programs throughout the NSW Waratahs Youth Academy programs and teams (U14, U15, U16, U18) as agreed
• Lead and manage the identification of player talent from 14-18 years of age as well as the selection processes and final squad selections for NSW Waratahs Youth age grade teams (U14, U15, U16, U18)
• Align the coaching of the NSW Youth representative teams as a ‘Coaching Director’ for the U14-U18 age grade team programs
• Provide important information with regard to the recruitment and contracting of key players into the NSW Waratahs Academy programs
  • Know and profile the players and provide specific feedback and individual development plans (IDPs) through footage and statistics as part of the recruitment process
  • Build and update the NSW Waratahs player depth chart for 14-18 year old players
• Drive the IDP process through the NSW Waratahs Youth Academy programs and work with volunteer team coaches to ensure that appropriate feedback is provided to coaches and players
• Lead the NSW Waratahs U16 team program as the Director of Coaching
• Commit to varied hours of work including training sessions and camps, conducted post 5 p.m., and regular weekend work involving coaching, camps, talent scouting, program presentations and managing match day events

COACHING INTEGRATION WITH THE NSW WARATAHS SENIOR ACADEMY PROGRAM

• Assist the NSW Waratahs Senior Academy program with coaching support, when required and available outside of Waratahs Academy Youth program responsibilities which may include:
  • Coach the Senior Academy program
  • Assist with the skill development of injured Senior Academy players while in rehab and while transitioning back into full training
  • Coach within the NSW Waratahs U19 program

OTHER COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coach within the national pathways team and development programs as requested and available for which may include coaching positions/duties with national pathways teams including Australia U16 and U18 and Youth Pathway 7s programs as required

PLAYER SELECTION, RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

• Support the NSW Waratahs Head of Pathways with executing talent identification, recruitment, de-listing and succession planning
• Attend relevant matches, training sessions and tournaments as required throughout the age grade and senior pathways, including but not limited to junior club and school matches (including representative matches and tournaments), state and national age grade matches and competitions, Colts and Grade club rugby matches
• Support various youth representative programs with their selection processes and implementation

COACHING, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT & SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

• Lead the development and implementation of periodized coaching and training plans/models for the Youth Academy, working closely with the NSW Waratahs Academy Head Coach
• Coordinate and deliver team, player and team staff performance measurement reports (training and playing) and maintain records via coordinated effective systems
• Coordinate and deliver unit and individual player reviews across the NSW Waratahs Youth Academy age grade teams
• Engage in purposeful learning and development to enhance the NSW Waratahs Academy programs and your own professional advancement while ensuring that these learnings are reported back to relevant staff for their benefit
• Support coach education and development for coaches working within the NSW Waratahs Academy and age grade teams
• Provide content (e.g. drills and coaching points) to support the expansion of the NSW Waratahs Academy into Clubs and Rugby (and Sports) High Schools and support the session delivery where available

ORGANISATION CONTRIBUTION

• Deliver considered organisation and team aligned messages and be available to communicate effectively and professionally with all stakeholders
• Support the NSW Waratahs and NSW Rugby Union with relevant appearances and presentations when available
• Support NSW Rugby with initiatives to grow the game in NSW
• Deliver updates to the the NSW Waratahs Director of Performance and the NSW Waratahs Head of Pathways when required
• Participate in the selection process of all NSW Waratahs Academy coaching and support staff when required
• Provide education and opportunities for developing coaches and staff

NATIONAL PROGRAM ALIGNMENT

• Maintain all reporting and deliverables in line with obligations within the National High-Performance Agreement
• Maintain alignment to Rugby Australia's high-performance coaching model
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the national high-performance pathways staff

Capabilities, Experience & Qualification Requirements

Capabilities

• Outstanding proven coaching ability
• Understanding of high-performance systems and culture and the requirements to maximise the development and impactful graduation of emerging talent into higher levels of the sport
• Able to identify and develop potential and emerging rugby talent
• Assertive and informed decision making ability
• High emotional intelligence and application to support and influence others and build relationships/partnerships
• Strong planning and execution skills with a high level of organisation and proven communication abilities
• Proven ability to work in and impact high-performing teams
• Demonstrated learning capacity with the ability to adapt and resolve complex problems in a timely and effective manner

Experience

• Proven experience as a coach at the professional pathways level (e.g. Super Rugby Academy), or the senior premier grade/colts club level, or at a major rugby school, or in an age grade representative team program
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in the trends of the professional game and developing elite rugby talent

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum Level 2 Rugby Australia coach accreditation (or the equivalent)
• Tertiary qualifications in sports coaching, teaching, management, business or a related field (desirable but not essential)