Expression of Interest Coaching Team - Youth Squad

Expression of Interest Coaching Team – 2026 Australian Sailing National Youth Squad

(up to 6 positions available)

Australian Sailing (AS) invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for class-specific coaching roles within the 2026 AS National Youth Squad program.

These roles will focus on delivering domestic coaching and supporting youth sailors at an age- and stage-appropriate level. The program emphasises long-term growth, sailor-led development, and the formation of positive performance habits within a connected and supportive coaching environment.

Coaching the AS National Youth Squad is an opportunity to help guide and support young sailors as they develop the technical skills, mindset, and self-awareness for long-term participation in the sport.

Coach Role & Key Responsibilities

Appointed coaches will work with selected Youth Squad sailors in one of the following classes:

ILCA 6 (Male & Female)
420 (Male/Mixed & Female)
29er (Male/Mixed & Female)
Youth iQFOiL (Male & Female rigs)
Formula Kite (Male & Female)
Nacra 15 (Mixed)

As a AS national Youth Squad coach, you’ll contribute to the delivery of national program activities, while remaining closely connected to sailors’ regular club and class association coaches, programs, and the broader Australian Sailing network.

Coaches will be expected to:

Support the development of sailor Individual Performance Plans (IDPs), goal setting, and education during national squad activity sessions
Lead the delivery of a class-specific technical-camp in collaboration with AS and the relevant Class Association
Host monthly online webinars to support holistic sailor development and connection across the squad
Provide regular feedback and a final coaching summary to Australian Sailing
Collaborate with other AS National Youth Squad coaches and AS staff to maintain a consistent, supportive coaching environment
Help foster a connected, inclusive, and development-focused culture across all classes
Engage in reflective practice and use the experience to grow as a coach

Coach Requirements

We’re looking for coaches who meet the following requirements:

Mandatory:

Current Australian Sailing Coach accreditation.
Valid Working with Children Check.
Valid First Aid Certificate
Valid powerboat Licence
Availability to attend and participate in all AS National Youth Squad activities
Completion of relevant online integrity and safeguarding modules.
Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment to provide high-quality sailor support.
Strong communication skills with the ability to connect effectively with sailors, support personnel, and other stakeholders across multiple classes.
Represents the Squad and Australian Sailing professionally at all times.

Desirable:

Experience coaching in youth pathway classes (e.g., ILCA 6, 29er, 420, Windfoil, Nacra 15, Formula Kite).
Confident communicating with media if required.

Remuneration and Expenses

Australian Sailing will manage all payments and arrangements for coaching roles. These costs are funded by the overall budget, supported by contributions from sailors and their families.
All reasonable and approved expenses related to coaching duties, including flights, accommodation, and ground transport
Indicative daily rates for coaches are $400 per day. Final remuneration will be negotiated based on experience and the scope of the role.

Application Requirements

When submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online form accessible here, please ensure you have the following documents and information ready. Your application cannot be completed without these items:

Current Australian Sailing, Sailing Coach accreditation
Valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Valid First Aid Certificate
Valid Powerboat licence
Sport Integrity Australia certificates of completion for the following e-learning courses, which can be accessed here:
Anti-Doping Fundamentals
Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport in Induction.
A current coaching resume (max two pages)
Two coaching references (name, role, contact details)
Short statement (250–300 words) outlining your experience coaching youth sailors and how you align with the program’s goals and values
Your preferred class and availability for program activities between April–November 2026

Program Values

The 2026 Youth Squad is underpinned by five core values:

Curiosity – A desire to learn and explore
Squad-mindedness – Supporting and valuing others in the group
Commitment – To personal goals and the team
Sportsmanship – Acting with fairness and integrity
Long-term development – Focusing on the journey, not just short-term results

Coaches are expected to embody and promote these values throughout the program.

Key Dates & Commitments

EOI Closing Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Notification of Appointment: Week of 2 March 2026
Commitments:
- Attend and coach at the National Performance Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra: 14–16 April 2026
- Lead delivery of a class-specific technical mini-camp (2–3 days) between July and November, in collaboration with Australian Sailing and the relevant Class Association (dates and locations to be confirmed post-selection)
- Host monthly online webinars between July and November, supporting sailor education and development (dates and times to be confirmed post-selection)