COACH THE FUTURE

Coach the Future is a paid, real-world coaching training programme that puts you at the heart of flag football's growth across London, working directly with the NFL UK and award-winning charity BIGKID Foundation.

You'll gain unprecedented access to people, places and pathways that no one in this space has had before, from coaching qualifications and professional training to career insights, exclusive access to the some of the best coaches in the NFL ecosystem and direct connections with sport industry professionals. You will assist organisations in planning, delivering and monitoring a co-ordinated programme of high quality, professional coaching activities that is progressive, energetic, creative, and reflective of the needs of young people in the local community.

We're looking for dynamic, self-starting individuals who are passionate about their community and want to make a difference. You'll be running flag football sessions, building relationships with partner charities organisations across London, and working alongside a team of coaches who share the same mission. Strong communication skills, a willingness to get stuck in, and the ability to navigate London independently are a must.

This programme is a partnership funded by the NFL Foundation UK, GLA, Sport England and London Marathon Foundation. It will be an initial 1 year-programme between 2026- 2027 to create a managed network of development, training and employment opportunities for a new community of coaches aged 18-24. Coaches will be working directly with NFL UK and receive guidance and training from BIGKID Foundation.

The application for the 2026/27 cohort is open until 28th June 2026.

About BIGKID Foundation

BIGKID’s mission is to end youth violence. We equip young people to take control of their lives, find, develop and act on their own potential. We strongly believe that behind every kid is something BIG. BIGKID is a growing, multi-award winning, organisation with many exciting opportunities from our amazing site in Brixton, including flag football events with Efe Obada, sailing in Suffolk, NFL and Nike collaborations to quiz nights, youth club and mentoring.

Programme objectives

• To train & develop flag football coaches aged 18-24

To create training and employment opportunities and access to the NFL Academy, NCAA college & NFL coaches

• To consistently inspire and produce the next generation of British coaches

• To target young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and grow flag football through grass roots charity organisations across London

Benefits

Coaching session with Aden Durde (Super Bowl winning Defensive Coordinator with Seattle Seahawks)

• Access to London games Foundation Day at Tottenham Stadium

• NFL Coaches access at London games

NFL Academy visit

• Access to NFL player community camps

£14.80/hr (London Living Wage)

Duties and responsibilities:

• To coach at a local level with the focus on creating a fun family environment where young people can be themselves

To prepare and implement well-structured and engaging sessions ensuring a high quality, enjoyable coaching experience centred on the needs of the participants

To take positive steps to identify and overcome barriers to participation amongst young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, prioritising access and inclusion, using the partnerships with organisations/teams as a ‘hook’ to inclusion in the sport.

To actively foster a safe and fair environment where young people have a strong sense of belonging and feel confident and included.

To assist in identifying talented young people and encouraging further development via a number of different courses/opportunities and exit routes.

To be a positive role model and informal mentor creating a positive and fun environment in which to motivate and encourage young people to participate in sport or physical activity.

To be committed to continuous professional development relevant to the post and personal training needs supporting future career advancement.

• To maintain current knowledge of relevant NFL / BAFA programmes policies and practices.

To carry out administrative duties as necessary e.g. maintain accurate attendance registers etc.

Note:

Although the core duties of the post are set out within the job description, a flexible approach to work is essential. The postholder may be required to adapt the above duties to take account of changes to working practices (e.g. the introduction of new technology).

Essentials:

• Ability to think creatively, differently and boldly

Self-motivated and proactive, with the flexibility to adapt and collaborate as part of a team, including a genuine commitment to working effectively with others toward shared goals

Strong initiative with the ability to problem-solve independently and think outside the box

Good organisational skills with an ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.

Excellent verbal communication skills including knowing which mode of communication is appropriate e.g. email/WhatsApp/phone call

Excellent personal skills and the ability to develop and sustain relationships with young people crucially as well as a variety of stakeholders.

• Accurate with data entry and record keeping

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.

Strong administration skills

• Professional, thorough and determined

Excellent attention to detail

• Innovative, able to identify and act upon new opportunities

Self-motivated

• A background in American football or flag football

Desirable (not essential):

• A successful track record of running engaging sports sessions with young people

Experience of building, managing and sustaining relationships with partners/supporters.

• An understanding of health and safety regulations etc.

• An understanding of youth and American Football culture

Ability to deal in a helpful, friendly and professional way with people from all social and professional backgrounds

Safeguarding qualification

BAFA Level 1 or above

First Aid training

• Practical coaching hours

DBS Check

Commitment to Delivery

Upon acceptance on the programme, you are committing to delivering a minimum of 2 hours a week with your assigned organisation*. You are also required to attend all programme sessions in full. Consistent attendance is essential to the quality of the experience we provide to young people and to your own development as a coach.

*subject to change