HEAD OF HOCKEY

HEAD OF HOCKEY

Umhlali Preparatory School

Umhlali Preparatory School invites applications for the position of Head of Hockey.  We are seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable and highly motivated individual to lead and develop our Hockey Programme across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire Hockey Programme from Grade R – 7.
• Plan, co-ordinate and implement season structures, training sessions, coaching strategies and player development pathways.
• Mentor, guide and oversee all Hockey coaches to ensure high standards of coaching and professionalism.
• Organise fixtures, leagues, festivals, tournaments and tours in collaboration with the Sports Department.
• Manage player selections in a transparent, fair and development-focused manner.
• Ensure effective communication with parents, players, coaches and school leadership.
• Uphold and promote the school’s values through Hockey participation and conduct.
• Take responsibility for equipment management, facility use and administrative planning for the programme.
• Support whole-school sports initiatives and assist the Sports Department where required.

Characteristics We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong leadership and the ability to inspire both players and coaches.
• Be passionate about children, development and a positive sporting culture.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Show initiative, professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Be organised, reliable, energetic and able to work collaboratively within a team.
• Display integrity, fairness and sound judgement in all aspects of school sport.
• Be able to manage pressure and maintain composure during busy sporting seasons.
• Align with the ethos and values of Umhlali Preparatory School.

Experience & Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• Proven experience coaching school-level Hockey (preferably within primary school structures).
• Relevant Hockey coaching qualifications or certifications.
• Experience managing or co-ordinating teams, programmes and staff, is an advantage.
• A solid understanding of Hockey rules, skills development and competitive structures.
• The ability to plan and deliver high-quality coaching sessions.
• First Aid training (or willingness to obtain).
• SACE registration (not essential, but desirable) and clearance documentation where required for school environments.

Application Process

If you have not been contacted by the school within a week of the closing date, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful.  All applications will be treated in strict confidence. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview.

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) which came into effect on 1 July 2021, all organisations and schools alike have a legal obligation to manage the personal information it processes appropriately, by applying specific principles and conditions.

Our school is committed to ensuring the security and protection of your personal information and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection.  We thank you for your interest in our school.

• Closing date for applications: 30 October 2026
• Location: KwaZulu Natal
• Workplace: Preparatory school – state
• Commencement date: As soon as possible
• Contact details: rclift@umhlaliprep.co.za
• Address: 1 School Road, Umhlali, Ballito, KZN