We are recruiting a Global Majority (Women's, NB or Trans) Coach

Terminology

The Ravens have opted to use the term Global Majority (GM), in place of POC/BAME, because we see the importance of decolonising language. This is fast becoming a widely used term across organisations, and while we recognise that others might use different terms, this is the one we have chosen to use. View the full definition here. 

Context

The Deptford Ravens is a vibrant community football team for women, non-binary, and trans* players (including trans masc) inclusive of LGBTQ+ and Global Majority /BIPOC communities. Founded in 2022 as a casual kickabout group, we have grown to over 100 active players. We welcome players of all skill levels, with a particular focus on complete beginners. Our team is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, guided by our Anti-Racism and Inclusion Working Group (ARIW) and LGBTQ+ inclusive values. Our motto is "Fun over Competition!"

In Nov 2023 our ARIW Group began examining how inclusive we are as a community group and as a football team. Since the group's inception we've had some insightful, contemplative and fruitful meetings about inclusivity, with a specific focus on how to improve our racial diversity. We recognise that as a group based in Deptford, in one of the most diverse boroughs in London, we could be doing a lot more to ensure that the Ravens is an equitable, fully inclusive organisation that reflects the community we're based in.

Our first action was to define our anti-racist values and actions, to guide our decision making. View our values and action plan here.

One of our core actions included hiring a GM coach for a routine session to further representation. We hope this will, in the long-term, make members from GM communities feel safer to join the Deptford Ravens. Our aim is to grow towards GM-only sessions in addition to our regular sessions. We understand the complexity of this and hope this will not cause any pressure on the GM coach. As a coach you will be fully supported by our Committee (the Tee Group), which is led by, and includes players from the Global Majority. By increasing representation amongst our coaching team, we hope it contributes to creating a more welcoming environment that will help lead to a more representative team.

Progress

Measures we have implemented so far include:

• Guided decision-making: Ensuring that all our decisions as an organising group are informed by the experiences of our GM players. This is achieved through active listening and continuous learning.

• Player experience survey: We have recently conducted a survey to better understand our players’ experiences, with a specific focus on the insights and needs of our GM players. We shared the responses at our AGM, and are working on implementing the feedback.

• Accessible training spaces: Our training sessions offer spaces for GM folks that do not require membership, sign-ups, or fees.

• Unlimited membership: We have implemented unlimited membership for GM folks, even when general membership is full, to ensure they always have a place in our community.

• Zero-Tolerance Policy: We have established and shared our zero-tolerance policy on racism and discrimination, including clear guidelines on addressing any issues that may arise from players violating these principles.

• Nest Friends’ Volunteers: We have ‘Nest Friends’ - volunteers including from GM communities - available to support and assist our members, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment.

The role

You will be our fourth coach, and will be joining our friendly team of coaches. We have training sessions every Wednesday (6.15 - 8.30pm). Each month, our coaches collectively decide which Wednesdays they would like to coach the following month, depending on their availability, and flexibility. And whether they would like to be a Lead Coach, Co-Lead Coach, or Assistant Coach, this varies each week depending on the collective preferences of the coaches. However, if you would like something more fixed, e.g., Lead Coach for the first Wednesday of every month, we can organise this also. One Wednesday of every month is always coach-less, to provide a free session for Ravens. The coach group will be told in advance which Wednesdays when the sessions rota is sent out to be filled in.

Each session will either have a Lead Coach, with an Assistant Coach, or two Co-Lead Coaches.

• Lead Coach: £60 per session.

• Co-Lead: £45 per session.

• Assistant Coach: £30 per session.

Support

Our coaches are supported fully by our committee called the ‘Tee Group’, as well as several subgroups, who organise our Friendly’s, Leagues, Anti-Racism work, Socials and Finance. All groups worther together to foster our community spirit, and are there to support our coaches. 

At every session, we have volunteers who lead the Intro, Warm-up, and close the session. We also have volunteer marshals to help coaches set up, and demonstrate drills. ‘Nest Friends’ are also there to support Ravens who might have queries, or need emotional support. Coach Aggie says, “the committee was one of the biggest draws for me - seeing how organised it was, how far ahead the thinking was going and how supported I felt to focus on coaching.”

Key responsibilities

• Plan and lead training sessions on agreed Wednesday’s from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM.

• Agree sessions rota, minimum one month in advance.

• Develop and implement training sessions that cater to players of varying skill levels, and diverse needs, with a focus on complete beginners.

• Foster an inclusive and supportive team environment, ensuring all players feel welcome and valued. Being mindful of pronouns, disabilities (including neurodiversity), and correct name pronunciation.

• Uphold the team's motto of "Fun over Competition" by prioritising enjoyment and building confidence over winning.

Person Specification

Our current coaches either began as Ravens or were friends of Ravens. To ensure a fair process, we want to recruit someone with a similar skill set. This means we do not require any formal coaching qualifications. Instead, we are looking for someone with experience of playing football for a number of years, who has been coached, and who embodies the ethos of nurturing and supporting a diverse team with the motto ‘Fun over Competition!’ We also want this to be an opportunity for someone to gain coaching experience.

Application process

Phase 1: 

• Please send your CV and a Cover Letter (max 1,000 words) detailing how you meet the person specification to: thedeptfordravens@gmail.com

• Application Deadline: 24th January, 5pm.

Phase 2

• We aim to review the applications within two weeks of the deadline and will follow up with successful applicants for an informal interview. 

Phase 3

• Successful applicants will be invited to undertake a paid-trial session on a Wednesday evening. We will give a range of weeks dependent on sign off on dates/times of interviews etc.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments for the interview, such as specific accommodations for a disability, please let us know. We are happy to make arrangements to support your needs.  

Final comments

Please send through any queries to thedeptfordravens@gmail.com. If you’re unsure about applying or worried that you don’t have the right skills, apply anyway!

Thank you!

The Deptford Ravens (Cacooooow!)