Recruitment

Coach (Self-Employed) – Junior Table Tennis Sessions

Organisation: Penarth Table Tennis Club
Role: Coach for junior coaching programme
Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week
Pay: £30 per session
Contract type: Self-employed
Application deadline: Sunday 16 August 2026, 5pm

About the role

Penarth Table Tennis Club is seeking a self-employed coach to support the launch of our first junior programme from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new activity from the ground up and to bring your own coaching style, ideas, methods, and personality to the sessions. The role would suit a coach, sports leader, youth worker, school teacher, or anyone with experience working with children and enthusiasm for table tennis.

Sessions will:

• run every Friday from 16:15 to 17:15 during term time (excluding school holidays)
  
• take place at St Cyres School in Penarth, CF64 2XP
• be open to up to 20 children aged 11 to 18

As a self-employed coach, you will independently plan and deliver sessions using your own professional judgement. The club will not direct how you coach; instead, we will collaborate with you to ensure the sessions meet safeguarding and safety expectations.

You would be expected to:

• arrive from 16:00 to set up the room using your preferred layout and coaching approach
• deliver engaging, inclusive sessions that help participants develop table tennis skills and confidence
• maintain a safe environment throughout and follow agreed safeguarding procedures
• remain until 17:30 to conclude the session and support a smooth transition with the next activity (usually the club’s community session, led by a volunteer coach)

The fee for each session is £30 (90 minutes at £20/hour), paid on receipt of an invoice.

Selection criteria

We recognise that excellent coaches come from many backgrounds. If you feel you could be great in this role—even if you do not meet every criterion—we warmly encourage you to apply.

Essential criteria

• Ability to independently deliver sport, physical activity, or similar sessions for groups of children aged between 11 and 18.
• Ability to create a supportive, engaging, and safe learning environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work positively with the club, players, parents, and the school.
• Safeguarding training completed (or willingness to complete before starting).
  
• Valid DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
  
• First aid qualification (or willingness to obtain one).
  
• Reliable availability on Fridays during term time from 16:00 to 17:30.
  
• Status as a self-employed contractor, responsible for your own tax, insurance, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

The successful candidate will be expected to undergo a DBS check.

Desirable criteria

• Level 2 table tennis coaching qualification (or willingness to work towards one).
  
• Ability to play table tennis to a competitive standard.

We also welcome applications from coaches in other sports, youth workers, educators, and anyone with relevant experience working with young people.

Selection process

All candidates should submit the application form by 5pm on Sunday 16 August 2026: Application form

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to:

• a brief informal phone conversation
  
• a trial session on Friday 21 August, 18:00–19:30 at St Cyres School (an alternative date can be arranged if a shortlisted candidate is unavailable on 21 August)

Self-employed coaches taking part in the trial session will receive financial compensation. Details will be provided directly to shortlisted candidates.

About the club

Penarth Table Tennis Club is a community club based in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan. The club is: - Affiliated with Table Tennis Wales. - Offering opportunities to play leisurely and competitively. - Part of the community.

Since being established in March 2025, the club has grown rapidly into a thriving community with a growing membership, eleven tables, and now “Regional Development Club” status with Table Tennis Wales. The club entered two teams into the Cardiff league in October 2025, with one team completing the season unbeaten. The launch of a junior programme represents the next exciting step on the club’s journey.

To find out more, visit the club’s website: www.penarthtabletennis.co.uk

Disclaimer

This recruitment process is part of a wider project to launch a new junior programme. The start date may change depending on factors such as the number of children who register or availability of the venue. The club will keep shortlisted candidates updated, and candidates are welcome to contribute ideas to support the launch.

The junior programme is expected to run initially until December 2026, with the potential to continue into 2027. Subject to the programme’s success, the club would hope to continue working with the successful coach, and applicants who expect to be available beyond December 2026 may be prioritised.

Additional self-employed opportunities may arise, including coaching existing community sessions (Fridays, 17:30–18:45) or representing the club at events. All additional work would be remunerated.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Penarth Table Tennis Club is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion across all activities. We aim to create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where everyone can participate and thrive, regardless of background or personal circumstances. This commitment will guide our recruitment process.

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy is available here.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact penarthttc@gmail.com.

Pre-registration

Interested in signing up for these sessions as a player? You can pre-register here and be sure not to miss any updates.