Lead Youth Development Coach

About Performance Dynamics

Performance Dynamics is a strength and conditioning gym founded on a simple principle: every athlete should be treated as an individual, not as a number. The team brings elite-level strength and conditioning methods to a wider audience, making high-quality coaching accessible to everyone.

The Youth Athlete Academy (YAA) is the starting point for that mission. It supports athletes aged 10 to 14, a critical stage where good coaching can shape a young person’s sporting development for years to come. The programme does not focus on advanced training. Instead, it builds excellence in the essentials: squat, hinge, push, pull, jump, land and sprint.

Role Overview

Performance Dynamics is looking for a Lead Youth Development Coach to take ownership of the Youth Athlete Academy. This person will lead sessions on the gym floor, monitor each athlete’s progress, design session plans, and act as the trusted contact for athletes and parents.

The position is highly practical, but it also includes meaningful desk-based work such as programme design, progress tracking, attendance management and parent communication. The role reports directly to the Head of Athletic Development.

This is a senior, front-line position. It does not include managing other staff. Instead, the role is responsible for the planning, delivery and overall experience of the youth programme.

Key Responsibilities

You will coach and lead YAA sessions with energy, authority and a style that encourages young athletes to keep coming back. The emphasis is on teaching movement fundamentals thoroughly and consistently.

You will assess each athlete’s movement quality and development against the core basics, then use that information to adapt sessions within the Performance Dynamics system. The main focus is technical movement quality and strong foundational skills.

You will keep parents informed through regular WhatsApp updates and clear, easy-to-understand explanations of their child’s progress.

You will create social media content and draft emails for current YAA parents as well as wider interested audiences, helping promote the Academy and attract new families.

You will develop connections with local clubs and community groups to support athlete recruitment and strengthen the Academy’s local presence.

Occasionally, you may represent Performance Dynamics at parent talks, community events or club visits. This is not a daily requirement, but it may form a growing part of the role.

What Success Looks Like

In the first three months, the expectation is that you will be settled into the role, confidently managing programme planning and delivery, and building momentum.

Longer-term success in the role means a thriving Youth Athlete Academy with engaged athletes who improve, attend regularly and remain involved because they enjoy the experience.

It also means parents feeling supported, informed and confident in your care, leading them to recommend the Academy to others.

Success further includes clear improvement in athletes’ movement fundamentals, supported by your coaching and progress tracking.

Another sign of success is a consistent flow of new families joining through your coaching work, content creation and community relationships.

Hours and Schedule

The role is for 35 hours per week. It is an evening-based position, as that is when the young athletes train.

Saturdays are included on a rotating basis, typically every third or fourth Saturday.

If evening work does not fit your availability, this role will not be suitable.

Pay

The hourly rate is €16 to €19, depending on experience. In addition, a performance bonus is available when targets are achieved.

The bonus structure will be explained during interview. It is designed to reward outcomes that matter, including full classes, athlete retention and parent satisfaction.

Who This Role Is Not For

This role is not suitable for someone who feels that coaching the basics is beneath them. In this environment, teaching a 12-year-old to squat, land and sprint properly is central to the job.

It is also not a fit for someone who wants to work mainly with adults or elite senior athletes, as the focus here is youth development.

Anyone who sees communication with parents as an inconvenience will likely struggle in this position, because parent engagement is a major part of the job.

The role is also not suitable for someone who goes quiet under pressure, as parents need someone dependable and responsive.

Applicants must also be comfortable promoting the Academy through social media and email.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is well suited to someone who genuinely enjoys coaching children and does it well.

It will appeal to someone who takes pride in helping athletes improve and remain engaged over time.

It is a strong fit for a coach who is comfortable speaking with a concerned parent as well as leading a training session.

The role is also suitable for someone who would be willing to speak to parents or represent the Academy at a local event when needed.

Most importantly, it suits someone who wants ownership, responsibility and the chance to shape something of their own rather than simply showing up and leaving.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, onsite role based in County Dublin, Ireland.

Experience level expected for the role is 3+ years in an athlete development setting.

An Exercise and Sports Science degree, or an equivalent qualification or relevant experience, is required.