ABOUT US:

Aligned Leisure enriches communities and ignites connections. We partner with local government authorities and schools to enable their communities to thrive through arts, aquatic, fitness, health, sport and wellbeing services.

Aligned Leisure delivers transformational solutions precisely tailored to the unique needs of our partners and the local community. It is our DNA. We bring our partner’s plans to life using our unique leisure management services. We improve health and wellbeing, drive community connection, and develop high-performing people.

Aligned Leisure is part of the Richmond Football Club, Australia’s most diversified sports organisation. Driven by our purpose of connecting to thrive and win, the Club connects with communities around Australia through cultural awareness, education, fitness, football, health, multiculturalism, sports and reconciliation.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The National Age Coach is responsible for leading and developing the National Age Squad at Caulfield Aquatics, ensuring a structured training and competition pathway that supports athletes competing at state and national levels. 

In addition, the National Age Coach will support the APS Swimming Program at Caulfield Grammar School, ensuring alignment between school and club swimming pathways. The APS swimming program is delivered across both the Caulfield and Wheelers Hill campuses with training through the week and meets held largely on Saturday mornings. The role will focus on athlete development, technical skill enhancement, and fostering a high-performance culture within both programs. 

This role requires strong communication, collaboration with the Head Coach, APS Coaching Staff, and School Leadership, and a commitment to long-term athlete development. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coaching, Program development

• Lead National Age Squad training sessions, ensuring alignment with Caulfield Aquatics’ coaching philosophy and athlete development model. 
• Implement a structured periodisation plan, incorporating technical development, race preparation, and dryland training. 
• Provide individualised feedback to swimmers, ensuring technical excellence and competition readiness. 
• Monitor athlete progress, adapt training plans accordingly, and report performance updates to the Head Coach. 
• Attend state, national, and club competitions to support athlete performance and progression. 
• Assist in the selection and preparation of relay teams for club and school competitions. 

 APS Swimming Program Support

• Work closely with Caulfield Grammar School’s APS Swimming Head Coach to integrate club and school programs for a seamless athlete pathway.
• Assist with APS training sessions, squad preparation, and competition strategy.
• Provide technical coaching to APS swimmers, focusing on stroke mechanics, race strategies, and skill development.
• Attend APS Swimming Meets, including trials, training camps, and championships, to support Caulfield Grammar's school swimming team when club scheduling permits
• Encourage and facilitate the transition of APS swimmers into the Caulfield Aquatics club program, ensuring a strong talent pipeline.

Athlete Development and Program Growth

• Contribute to the broader squad pathway by ensuring smooth transitions from junior to state and national levels.
• Identify and develop emerging talent, working closely with the Head Coach to enhance long-term athlete development.
• Ensure a balance between athlete well-being, academic commitments, and swimming performance.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and high-performance training environment that promotes team culture, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain open and professional communication with athletes, parents, and school staff.
• Provide clear expectations to athletes and parents regarding training, competition schedules, and squad goals.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Coach, School APS Staff, and Club Administration to ensure smooth program operations.
• Engage with Caulfield Grammar School staff to provide updates on athlete progress and program development.

Operational and Administrative Responsibilities

• Ensure the effective setup and pack-down of training equipment and maintain equipment condition.
• Assist in the planning and execution of training camps, holiday programs, and squad development activities.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, training loads, and athlete progress.
• Adhere to all safety and risk management procedures, ensuring athlete well-being at all times.
• Contribute to the overall growth of Caulfield Aquatics by supporting recruitment and retention initiatives.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Silver Level Coaching Accreditation (ASCTA) minimum
• Proven experience coaching National Age-level swimmers with a strong track record of athlete development.
• Strong understanding of APS Swimming pathways, competition structures, and athlete progression.
• Demonstrated knowledge of periodisation planning, stroke mechanics, and race preparation.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid Working with Children Check

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• AUSTSWIM Teacher of Competitive Strokes or equivalent.
• Experience in school and club swimming environments.
• Knowledge of athlete monitoring systems and performance tracking tools.

Working Conditions

• Early morning, evening, and weekend training sessions.
• Travel required for competitions, training camps, and APS events.
• Flexibility to accommodate club and school swimming schedules.

Aligned Leisure welcome applicants without the above qualifications who meet the desired personal attributes. All successful applicants will need to obtain the above qualifications prior to starting employment.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated and driven to provide excellence.
• Display a mindset of growth both individually and collectively.
• Exceptional time management and highly organised
• Exceptional communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Understands/enjoys the leisure industry and motivated to serve Aligned Leisure
• Relentless in their approach to the delivery of high-quality service