Strength & Conditioning Scholar

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SCHOLAR – DESCRIPTION

Role Overview
This scholarship offers a University of Leeds student the opportunity to gain hands-on coaching experience in strength and conditioning during the 2025-26 academic year. 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 scholar will collaborate closely with the senior strength and conditioning team to support a high-performance team (e.g., GB Start Rowing, Renaissance Arts, Leeds Triathlon Centre, Leeds Bradford Cricket Centre of excellence). Additionally, they will take the lead in delivering strength and conditioning support to a University of Leeds BUCS performance team (e.g., Football, Hockey, Rugby, Rowing, Swimming, or Triathlon).

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 internship programme.

Skills Developed:

• Coaching Practice & Soft Skills:
  • Communication, practical and emotional intelligence, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative, adaptability, planning and organisation, leadership, and mentoring.
• 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.
• Access to weekly CoP sessions, with topics previously including:
  • Olympic weightlifting for sports performance
  • Training programme design
  • Speed and agility training for sports performance
• Access to events featuring guest speakers, which in the past have included:
  • Boxing Science
  • GB Rowing
  • Manchester United FC
  • 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.

Hours of Volunteering:
Volunteers in this role are expected to commit 3-6 hours per week during the 2025-26 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.

To apply for the S&C Scholar role: 

Please complete the application form below.  Applications are OPEN NOW and will close on 30th April 2025. 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 Tim Jarrett (T.Jarrett@leeds.ac.uk) and Emily Dingley (E.dingley@leeds.ac.uk) via email if you would like to discuss anything related to the role.