Job Opportunity: Scholarship Assistant Coach

Scholarship Assistant Coach – Leeds Rhinos, Bartercard Training Ground

Leeds Rhinos are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Scholarship Assistant Coach to be responsible for player development within the Leeds Rhinos Academy.

Reporting to the Scholarship Head Coach and Transition Coach the role holder will be an inspirational coach with proven leadership skills to develop our young players between the ages of 15 and 17.

Job responsibilities include:

Coaching & Player Development

To help drive the overall culture and standards / behaviours of the scholarship environment.

Assist the Head Scholarship Coach with planning and delivering high-quality training sessions.

Support the technical and tactical development of scholarship players.

Provide individual coaching and feedback to help players improve their skills and game understanding.

Deliver position-specific coaching where appropriate.

Assist with match-day preparation, warm-ups, substitutions and post-match reviews.

Promote the club’s playing philosophy, standards and coaching methodology.

To deliver on community club nights and Rhinos Talent Pathway sessions (twice monthly)

Player Welfare & Development

To help create a positive, supportive and player centred learning environment.

Build positive, professional relationships with players and act as a positive role model.

Support the holistic development of players alongside their education, family and wider support network.

Identify changes in player behaviour, wellbeing, motivation or engagement and communicate concerns through the appropriate channels.

Promote good habits around nutrition, recovery, sleep, preparation and professional conduct.

Contribute to creating a safe, inclusive and enjoyable learning environment.

Player Monitoring

Attend community rugby fixtures (twice monthly) in order to monitor progress and development of scholarship players aligned to individual development plans.

Provide regular observations and feedback to the Head Coach, Head of Youth and Head of Pathways and Talent ID.

Maintain accurate player development records and contribute to review meetings.

To contribute thoughts on player progress, aligned to individual player development plans.

Provide opinions to shape the Scholarship/Academy Teams player promotion, retention and recruitment.

Performance & Analysis

Observe session recordings as part of review and planning process.

Contribute to video review and player feedback sessions.

Help players understand key performance indicators and areas for improvement.

Use relevant performance data and analysis tools to support the coaching process.

Match & Training Operations

Assist with the organisation and delivery of training and fixtures.

Ensure equipment, facilities and playing areas are prepared appropriately.

Support match-day administration and communication with relevant staff.

Work collaboratively with strength & conditioning, medical, performance analysis and player development staff.

Safeguarding & Professional Standards

Follow all club, governing-body and safeguarding policies and procedures.

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with young players.

Report safeguarding, welfare or disciplinary concerns through the correct procedures.

Maintain confidentiality and handle player information appropriately.

Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and respect across the programme.

Communication & Collaboration

Communicate effectively with players, parents/guardians, schools and club staff where appropriate.

Work closely with the Scholarship Head Coach, Head of Youth, Head of Pathways and Talent ID and wider performance team.

Attend coaching, player-development and programme meetings as required.

Provide clear, constructive and consistent feedback to players.

To champion best practice around player development in community club setting

Continuing Professional Development

Maintain and develop appropriate coaching qualifications. (UKCC Level 3)

Attend internal and external coach-development opportunities.

Keep up to date with developments in rugby league coaching, player development and safeguarding.

Reflect on coaching practice and seek feedback to continually improve.

Key expectations

The Scholarship Assistant Coach should demonstrate:

Player-first approach — prioritising long-term player development over short-term results.

Professionalism — representing the club positively at all times.

Strong communication — able to communicate effectively with young players and the wider performance team.

Attention to detail — organised and consistent in preparation, delivery and player monitoring.

Teamwork — willing to collaborate across coaching, medical, S&C, analysis and education departments.

Development mindset — committed to learning and improving as a coach.

Safeguarding awareness — understands the additional responsibilities involved in working with young athletes. 

Knowledge, experience and specialist skills:

UKCC Level 2 Coaching Rugby League qualification

Professional experience as a player and/or coach.

Credible within an elite rugby league environment with players, coaches and other key stakeholders

Ability to develop and manage young players

Excellent understanding of the demands of rugby league

Experience of working in a multidisciplinary performance team including human performance, medical, nutrition and performance analysis.

Excellent communication skills in all forms.

This is a part-time role and the expectations are you would commit to the following sessions:

3 hours on a Wednesday evening 

3 hours on a Saturday morning 

2 observations of Sunday morning fixtures each month (4 hours in total)

1 session per month coaching on either community club nights or RTP sessions

The salary for the role will be dependent on your skills, experience and qualifications.

If you would like to apply for this position, please forward your CV and a covering letter advising why you should be considered for the role to sarah.tate@therhinos.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 5pm noon on 21^st October 2026