Football /Sports Coaches Wanted - Teaching Assistant, Rochdale

Football, Outdoor Education & Youth Work Coaches Wanted - SEND Teaching Assistant

Alternative Provision | Rochdale | Full-Time

Do you have a background in football, sports coaching, outdoor education or youth work? Want to use your skills to make a real difference to young people who need a different approach to education?

Tradewind Recruitment is working with an alternative provision based at a football club in Rochdale, supporting secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, autism and other additional needs.

We are looking for energetic, resilient and reliable individuals who can engage young people through sport, outdoor activities and practical learning. This is an opportunity to take your experience beyond the sports field and use it to help young people build confidence, develop emotional regulation and re-engage with education.

Whether you''ve coached football, led outdoor activities, worked in a youth club or supported young people in the community, your ability to build relationships, provide structure and lead by example could make you an excellent fit.

The Role

• Support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs, autism and additional learning needs within a specialist alternative provision.
• Use football, physical activity and outdoor learning to engage pupils who may struggle in a traditional classroom environment.
• Build positive relationships through consistency, clear boundaries, encouragement and positive role modelling.
• Help pupils develop teamwork, communication, resilience, self-confidence and emotional regulation.
• Support learning, behaviour and personal development through practical activities, structured routines and individualised support.
• Work one-to-one and in small groups, helping pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
• Collaborate with teaching and pastoral staff to provide a consistent, supportive approach.

Who Would Suit This Role?

This role could be ideal for someone who enjoys working with young people in active, practical environments and wants to make a meaningful difference.

We''d particularly welcome applicants with experience in:

• Football coaching, sports development or fitness instruction.
• Outdoor education, adventure activities or physical education.
• Youth work, mentoring or community-based programmes.
• Supporting teenagers who struggle with behaviour, engagement or emotional regulation.
• Creating structure, building trust and motivating young people to reach their potential.

You don''t necessarily need previous classroom experience or a formal teaching qualification. We''re looking for people who are calm under pressure, confident setting boundaries, patient, emotionally resilient and committed to helping young people succeed.

Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, autism or additional needs would be beneficial, but specialist training and development opportunities are available.

What We Offer

• A full-time opportunity in a unique alternative provision based at a football club.
• Competitive daily pay.
• Access to over 2,500 free training courses, including behaviour management, autism awareness and mental health support.
• Interview preparation and ongoing support from Tradewind Recruitment.
• Local payroll, with no umbrella companies.
• Holiday pay, referral bonuses and networking opportunities.

Why This Role Matters

For some young people, a traditional classroom environment can feel overwhelming. Sport, outdoor learning and practical experiences can provide a different way to build trust, develop essential life skills and rediscover a sense of achievement.

The right person can be more than a teaching assistant. You could be the positive role model who helps a young person manage frustration, work as part of a team, rebuild confidence and see a future full of possibilities.

Reliability is essential. These pupils benefit from consistent adults who follow through, maintain clear boundaries and show up every day. If you''re passionate about sport, enjoy working with teenagers and want a role with real purpose, we''d love to hear from you.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Rachael Pheasey at Tradewind Recruitment to find out more or apply.

Call: (phone number removed)
Email: (url removed)

Search "Tradewind Recruitment Manchester" to discover why candidates rate us so highly.