The Keilor Thunder Youth League Men’s Head Coach is responsible for leading and developing Keilor’s senior development team, creating a clear pathway for athletes progressing into the NBL1 Men’s program.

The successful candidate will play an active role within the junior representative program, working closely with the male junior representative pathway to identify emerging talent and support the development of future Youth League and NBL1 athletes.

This role is a critical component of the Keilor Thunder High-Performance Pathway, with a primary focus on identifying, developing and preparing talented athletes for success at NBL1 level and beyond. The coach will work collaboratively with the NBL1 Men’s Head Coach to ensure alignment in playing style, athlete development priorities, culture and program expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Oversee the on-court operations of the Youth League Men’s program while working collaboratively with the High Performance team to deliver the club's strategic objectives.
• Create a professional, high-performance environment aligned with Keilor Thunder values.
• Support the long-term vision of the Keilor Thunder Men’s Pathway.

Player Development

• Develop athletes capable of progressing into the NBL1 Men’s program.
• Identify technical, tactical, physical and mental development priorities for each player.
• Work with athletes to improve basketball IQ, decision-making and leadership skills.
• Conduct regular feedback and performance reviews throughout the season in-line with KBA standard procedures

Alignment with NBL1 Men’s Program

• Work closely with the NBL1 Men’s Head Coach to ensure alignment across both programs.
• Implement systems, terminology and principles consistent with the NBL1 program.
• Provide regular updates on athlete progress and readiness for NBL1 opportunities.
• Support athlete transitions between Youth League and NBL1 programs.

Talent Identification & Junior Pathway Development

• Work closely with Under 16 and Under 1s Head Coaches to identify emerging talent.
• Attend junior trainings and games where appropriate.
• Assist in creating development opportunities for identified athletes.
• Contribute to athlete evaluations and pathway planning.
• Support junior representative coaches in preparing athletes for senior basketball.

Coaching & Performance

• Plan and deliver high-quality training sessions.
• Prepare the team for weekly competition through scouting, game planning and film review.
• Manage game-day coaching responsibilities.
• Drive continuous improvement in team and individual performance.
• Promote a style of play that supports long-term athlete development and NBL1 readiness.

Recruitment & Retention

• Assist in identifying and recruiting athletes who fit the Keilor Thunder pathway.
• Contribute to athlete retention strategies within the Men’s program.
• Promote opportunities available through the Keilor Thunder pathway.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain positive relationships with athletes, parents, coaches and club staff.
• Act as a positive ambassador for Keilor Thunder.
• Work collaboratively with High-Performance staff.
• Support club events, pathway programs and community engagement opportunities.

Coach Development

• Mentor and develop assistant coaches within the Youth League Men’s program.
• Create opportunities for assistant coaches to increase their coaching responsibilities throughout the season.
• Provide regular feedback, support and performance reviews to assistant coaches.
• Encourage continuous learning through reflection, education and collaboration.
• Work closely with the High Performance Manager to identify and develop future coaches within the Men’s pathway.
• Foster a positive coaching environment that reflects the Keilor Thunder coaching philosophy and values.

Alignment with Keilor Thunder Values

• Respect: Demonstrates respect through positive relationships with athletes, coaches, officials, parents and staff, while fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment.
• Development: Has a genuine passion for developing athletes, coaches and people, prioritising long-term growth and preparing players for progression through the Keilor Thunder pathway.
• Passion: Brings energy, enthusiasm and commitment to every aspect of the program, inspiring athletes to strive for continuous improvement and represent Keilor Thunder with pride.
• Excellence: Sets and maintains high standards in coaching, preparation and performance, consistently pursuing excellence both on and off the court while contributing to a high-performance culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• Association Level Basketball Australia Accreditation
• Previous representative, Youth League, Big V or equivalent coaching experience.
• Strong understanding of player development principles.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-coach pathway environment.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Experience working within a high-performance pathway.
• Video analysis and athlete performance review experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing athletes to higher levels of competition.