Strength & Conditioning Scholar

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SCHOLAR 

Role Overview

This scholarship offers a University of Leeds student the opportunity to gain hands-on coaching experience in strength and conditioning. Participants in this role will engage in a structured programme of learning, which includes bi-weekly Community of Practice (CoP) sessions (practical and theoretical workshops on coaching performance athletes) and mentorship, aimed at enhancing their knowledge and applied skills. The S&C Coach Scholarship offers both Junior and Senior roles, with the requirements for each role explained later in this page.

The S&C Coach Scholars will collaborate closely with the senior strength and conditioning team to support high-performance teams (e.g., British Rowing Performance Development Academy – Yorkshire, Leeds Triathlon Centre and MCCU Cricket). Additionally, they will take the lead in delivering strength and conditioning support to a University of Leeds BUCS performance team.

Main Tasks and Activities:

• Assist in delivering tailored strength and conditioning programmes that meet the specific needs of a performance team.
• Support the senior strength and conditioning team in delivering S&C services to a high-performance team.
• Actively engage with and learn from the experiences of other coaches to enhance personal coaching practice.
• Conduct physical testing and monitoring, including recording, processing, interpreting, and presenting data to athletes.
• Collaborate with other strength and conditioning scholars to foster mutual development.
• Contribute to CoP sessions and mentoring activities to build the skills and knowledge required for effective coaching.
• Engage in reflective practice throughout the programme.

Skills Developed:

• Coaching Practice & Soft Skills:
  • Communication, Time Management, Teamwork & Collaboration, Problem-solving, Adaptability & Flexibility, Planning & Organising, Leadership, Active Learning, Reflection, Self awareness, Self confidence & Perseverance.
• Knowledge:
  • Programme design, physical testing and monitoring, strength, power, energy systems, speed, agility, change of direction, weightlifting techniques, and injury prevention.

Training and Support / Professional Development:

The programme includes:

• An initial induction to the organisation and role.
• One-on-one mentoring sessions per semester, alongside observations and feedback from the senior S&C coaching team.
• Workshops, with topics previously including Olympic weightlifting for sports performance, and Training programme design.
• Access to events featuring guest speakers, which in the past have included GB Rowing, Manchester United FC and Formula 1 Team Haas.
• Opportunities to pursue certified qualifications relevant to the role.

Rewards and Recognition:

We deeply value your time and contributions and will make every effort to ensure you feel appreciated in this role. You will receive full access to The Edge facility through an Edge club membership. Where possible, we will provide additional opportunities in the applied sport science and strength and conditioning field. S&C Coach Scholars will also receive a bursary of (£200 for a Junior S&C Coach Scholar, £400 for a Senior S&C Coach Scholar).

Participation in this programme can also be used as part of the SOUL Discovery programme. This module supports students to reflect on the personal & professional value of their volunteering.

Hours of Volunteering:
Volunteers in this role are expected to commit 3-6 hours per week during the 2026-27 academic year. Please note that this may include early morning and/or evening sessions.

Location:

The primary location for coaching is the Gryphon Performance Hub at Cromer Terrace. However, you may also be asked to coach at The Edge and Sports Park Weetwood.

Person specification:

Please note that for this role, if you don’t meet the desirable competence areas, we still welcome your application if you feel you are suitable for the role.

Junior and Senior Coach Scholars

The S&C Coach Scholar role is separated into two levels, Junior and Senior.

Both Junior and Senior Strength and Conditioning Scholars will work alongside the Strength and Conditioning Team to support the performance and/or BUCS programmes through practical coaching experience.

Junior Scholars

Junior Scholars are in the earlier stages of their coaching development. They begin by supporting session delivery and progressively take on greater coaching responsibility as their experience and confidence develop. Junior Scholars will:

• Develop coaching experience
• Support delivery of sessions
• Access up to £200 in funding to support CPD courses

Senior Scholars

Senior Scholars typically have a higher level of coaching experience and are capable of leading a BUCS programme, with ongoing support and supervision from the Strength and Conditioning Team. Senior scholars will:

• Take on greater coaching responsibility
• Lead delivery within a BUCS programme
• Access up to £400 in funding to support CPD courses

Coaching Experience Guide

Use the guide below to help determine whether you should apply for a Junior or Senior Strength and Conditioning role.

No or Some Experience – Suitable for Junior Scholar Applicants

This category is suitable if:

• This is your first formal coaching role, or
• You have never coached before
• You have not yet delivered sessions independently, and/or
• Your experience is primarily observational or supportive

You may have:

• No coaching experience.
• Shadowed S&C coaches on an ad-hoc basis.
• Assisted with sessions occasionally.
• Led short sections of sessions but are still developing confidence and consistency.

High Experience – Suitable for Senior Scholar Applicants

You will typically:

• Have been coaching or leading parts of sessions regularly for at least one year, such as:
  • On an S&C placement, scholarship or internship.
  • Within a sports club setting (paid or voluntary role).
• Be confident with planning and delivering sessions independently.
• Have experience managing groups and making coaching decisions in real time.

Choosing Your Role

Please specific in your application whether you are applying for a Junior or Senior Scholar role.

If you apply for the Senior role but your experience and readiness suggest the Junior role would be more appropriate, your application will still be considered for the Junior position.

Please Note

This scholarship is a professional development opportunity. Please approach and complete your application with the same care and professionalism you would apply to for a formal job application.

To apply for the S&C Scholar role: 

Please complete the application form below. Applications are for the 2026/27 year are now CLOSED. Applications for the 2027/28 year will open in February 2027.

Following your online application, you may be invited for an interview with the Strength and Conditioning team at Gryphon Performance Hub following the closing date.

Please contact Chloe Marshall ([email protected]) via email if you would like to discuss anything related to the role or the application process.