Job Description
Mind in Kingston is a registered charity that supports people with mental health issues with a wide range of services in and around Kingston Upon Thames. Founded in 1972, the charity is user-led and offers recovery-focused services, campaigns on mental health issues, engages widely with beneficiaries and works with the local community to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Mind in Kingston is an independently funded charity affiliated to national Mind, a partner of Southwest London Minds, and a member of Mind in London.
About the Kingstonian Mind United FC (A&B) Football Coach Opportunity
CONTRACT: 15 hours per month (approx.) ad hoc
LOCATION: Various locations
REPORTING TO: Community Inclusion Manager
RATE: £20 per hour
Expressions of interest by: 24th April 2022
Please note all opportunities are subject to funding.
Mind in Kingston is looking for a confident, experienced football coach who wants to make a difference to the lives of people with mental health issues.
Kingstonian Mind United FC is an inclusive, safe and non-judgemental football team of adults who experience mental health issues. As well as providing weekly football practice, the team takes part in local amateur leagues where they compete with other community and disability football teams and organises its own annual tournament in the summer.
Our players are, of course passionate about football, but importantly they also want to be part of a culture that is sensitive to mental health needs and that provides a welcoming and caring space.
As a coach, you will be integral to the team by helping to develop their footballing skills as well as using team building and group exercises to create a cohesive team.
You will also be sensitive to the varying learning, physical and mental health needs of the team members and be able to work with Mind in Kingston to ensure all individuals get support, advice and information.
If you are interested, please send us an expression of interest. This should include a summary of any relevant experience, qualifications and skills, details of two referees and you are welcome to include any case studies, feedback or quotes from other organisations or customers you have worked with.
You can email this to:
Rachel Dykins, Community Inclusion Manager – racheldykins@mindinkingston.org.uk
Kingstonian Mind FC Coach – A & B Teams
Mind in Kingston is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced football coach who wants to make a difference. You will be joining our successful and growing Football for Mental Health service, providing inclusive, motivational football coaching to adults with experience of mental illness. Kingstonian Mind United FC is a squad, open to adults (18+) of all genders and abilities including beginners.
Our aims are to:
• Improve mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing; through the power of fun group exercise; supportive communication and teamwork-building skills.
• Create a safe, non-judgemental environment for people with mental health disabilities/conditions to enjoy sport. This is created by the club’s warm and welcoming attitude to newcomers, our openness in discussing mental health and our joint commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Reduce isolation, by offering those with experience of mental health conditions regular, free opportunities to play football, make new friends and enjoy social activities with like-minded people.
Our squad is supported by local club Kingstonian FC, registered with Surrey FA and plays in two disability leagues; Surrey Community Football and Football For All. We have an A and B side, both of which have been league champions of the Surrey Community league at various points and winners of a community tournament as recently as 2019.
Remit & Responsibilities
• To deliver fun, realistic, and creative sessions aimed at players of all abilities who want to improve their football skills and their mental wellbeing
• Create a positive learning environment, inclusive of those with additional learning needs or health difficulties
• Deliver the sessions to a high standard consistently and reliably
• Deal with any first aid/emergency situations
Further tasks
• To deliver 2 x 1 hour varied training sessions to the squad per week, during weekdays.
• To provide coaching and wellbeing support to the squad at community league matches; one Friday per month and one Sunday per month during the regular season.
• To provide coaching and wellbeing support to the squad at friendly matches organised during the off-season.
• To be familiar with and work within the agreed policies and procedures of Mind in Kingston, including Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and in line within good mental health practice.
• To provide regular updates to Mind in Kingston project staff on attendance and wellbeing of the squad.
We offer:
• Opportunity to coach a growing team of hard-working, inspiring individuals
• Chance to work with a leading local mental health charity alongside our passionate staff and volunteer team
• Options for mental health and safeguarding training and development opportunities
Experience, Qualifications and Requirements
Qualifications
• Minimum FA Level 1 or 2 Coaching
• First Aid
• Preferably Mental Health Awareness trained or equivalent (we can provide training if required)
Desirable Experience
• Experience of coaching grassroots or community football
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals in a professional environment
• Knowledge/understanding of mental health (either professionally or personally)
• Knowledge of welfare, confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
Essential Skills and Abilities
• Welcoming, non-judgemental communication manner
• Ability to respond calmly and confidently to emerging situations
• Ability to give clear instructions for those with diverse learning and communication needs
Behaviours
• Reliable and committed (this is highly important due to the nature of our services)
• Passionate about football, health and fitness
• Positive attitude to mental health, with an inclusive approach to individuals of all backgrounds
• Patient, level-headed and encouraging
Other Requirements
• Self-employed (and be able to show relevant documentation if requested)
• Have valid and adequate insurance cover
• Have up to date policies and procedures in place, including complaints, health and safety and data protection
• DBS checked (enhanced)
We are a disability positive organisation and encourage those with lived experience of mental health issues to apply.
Please send your expression of interest or direct any questions to:
Rachel Dykins, Community Inclusion Manager – racheldykins@mindinkingston.org.uk
Apply Now
Interested in the above role? Send in your application using the form below to apply directly to the club and someone from the club will get back to you very soon.
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