PURPOSE

An exciting opportunity to become England Women U19 Head Coach for our tour to Sri Lanka in 2024.  The role will take the lead on designing and implementing the overall learning environment across the preparation and the performance phases for an U19 squad that will tour Sri Lanka, competing in a triangular series with Sri Lanka and Australia U19 teams.

The England Women U19 tour to Sri Lanka will provide opportunities in an inspirational development environment with competitive exposure at an International level for players deemed with the highest potential to play for England Women in the future, as well as players highlighting key potential to further their career within the domestic game.

This tour sits within the interim year between ICC U19 Women’s World Cups and so provides an opportunity to expose players who will be eligible for that World Cup programme in January 2025, as well as continue to provide opportunities for players that aren’t eligible (through age) but are demonstrating continued high potential.

The England Women U19 Head Coach will lead the cricket programme, ensuring the preparation and performance phases of the programme are delivered to the highest standards, focussing on developing world leading talent development environments for individuals and the selected squad.  They will also be instrumental in the appointment of their Assistant Coaches, as well as providing regular connections to the Regional teams that the players are connected to.

The role will require availability at the following training camps and tour dates:

Training camps:

• 13th & 14th January 2024

• 3rd & 4th  * and 14th – 16th February 2024

• 2nd & 3rd * and 16th & 17th * March 2024 

* denotes camps include a Friday evening arrival ahead of weekend camp

EW U19 tour – Sri Lanka triangular with Australia

• 23rd March to 12th April 2024 (exact travel dates subject to slight change)

• Further days and times for Assistant Coach recruitment, specific staff/player meetings, planning opportunities, travel and a significant review process providing feedback to both player and Regional management are expected, taking the overall number of days for this role to 42.

We are seeking an individual with a proven track record in developing high potential cricketers with an in-depth knowledge of women’s cricket at domestic and international level. The successful candidate will have shown their ability to positively impact those around them and have led on creating an inspirational environment for players and staff.

The role will be based at the National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough. The role will involve work during unsociable hours, weekends and school holidays and will require an extended period away from home whilst on tour.  Key dates that require full commitment are provided above.

WHO WE ARE

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from recreational to professional.

We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social. It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together.

The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

OUR VALUES

• Stronger As One Team – We are stronger together. We allow for individual strengths and beliefs but head in the same direction. We respect, support and really listen to each other along the way.

• Push New Boundaries – We are bold, brave and curious. We challenge and don’t settle. We forge the future whilst remembering our roots.

• Be The Best In The Game – On & Off The Pitch – We train hard. We strive to be our best to help the team be the best. We celebrate our victories and learn from our let downs.

• Passion For Play – We are here to inspire & be inspired. We are serious about what we do, but don’t take ourselves seriously. We enjoy the journey and have fun.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF

• Have a passion for leading players and staff to develop an environment that drives learning through a sustainable person-focused culture

YOU’LL BE DOING

• Impact on talent identification and confirmation processes to ensure robust selection of a player group to represent England Women U19 is delivered

• Design, and lead the delivery of an outstanding training and competition programme for the players perceived to have the highest potential to be England Women cricketers of the future that adds real value to a player’s journey towards being a successful International cricketer

• Provide coaching direction and support, both directly and in partnership with Regional set-ups, to the identified players selected into the England Women U19 Sri Lanka tour programme, inclusive of coaching players within residential training camps and on tour

• Lead on the consultation, collaboration and engagement with Regional Head coaches, Senior Regional Talent Managers and Regional skill-set coaches around player development to ensure the most talented young players are supported both on-programme and at their Regions

• Develop and share knowledge and support with Regional teams to ensure that player development for International cricket represents best practice

• Collaborate and contribute to short and medium-term Player Development Plans for identified players with Regional teams

• Lead and manage the coaching and multi-disciplinary support team, providing appropriate challenge and support with the development of players for International cricket

• Work with all England Women Pathway staff to ensure effective programming, integrated Science & Medicine support, players development and operational support for the U19 Sri Lanka tour programme

• Monitor the impact and effectiveness of the U19 programme and submit regular reports to the Head of Performance Pathways

• Work with the National Talent Manager and Head of Performance Pathways to ensure the Regional Talent Pathway supports the development of players with the foundations for Regional and International cricket

• Contribute to a robust review process of the U19 Sri Lanka tour programme following the completion of the triangular series in order to capture best practice and key learnings for all players and staff; this will involve a strong feedback process to players and Regions collaboratively

• Ensure players develop personal excellence through relevant, individualised and outstanding learning and development experiences that align to the ECB Talent Development Framework “Unleashing Potential”

YOU’LL HAVE

• Experience of programme design (both individual and team), implementation, management and evaluation for high potential female athletes

• Demonstrable experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams in high performance sport

• Excellent knowledge of women’s cricket at both Regional and international levels

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of talent development within the adolescent setting

• Outstanding leadership, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with exceptional standards of professionalism and integrity

• A high degree of personal resilience to cope with the demands of coaching at this level and to be relied on by the organisation, players and staff to handle pressure in critical moments

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Qualified to at least ECB Advanced Coach (Level 3) or international equivalent

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Safeguarding Children certification – a DBS disclosure is an impartial and confidential document that details an individual’s criminal record and where appropriate gives details of those who are barred from working with children

• Understand the importance of safeguarding and be able to demonstrate awareness of how to apply best practice principles in a performance pathway environment

• High levels of energy and enthusiasm

• Honesty, tact and strong will to succeed

• Excellent IT skills with competent ability using Microsoft Office programmes

• Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel independently to various venues across the country

• A valid 1st aid certificate with AED

YOU’LL RECEIVE  

• £200 day rate (general benefits may not be applicable for consultant and secondment roles)

• Reasonable travel expenses incurred by the consultant, will be paid for.