Coaching, Performance and Administration
Full details and application forms here
Following the successful conclusion of the 2026 international season, and a superbly well- earned bronze medal for the Senior Women at the World Championships, the GB Canoe Polo Squads are seeking applications and expressions of interest for coaching and
organisational roles for the upcoming 2-year cycle (leading up to 2028 Worlds).
Sadly, after over 20 years supporting the squad in coaching and leadership roles, Alan Vessey is stepping down as the Team Manager. His passion and dedication to the players and the national team will remain unrivalled and the squads are indebted to him for his many years of sacrifice, guidance and leadership, both to new generations of players and coaches over that time. Thank you Alan!
This is a key role that is required to help guide the squads going forward. In recent years
there has been positive progress in developing the structure of the squad set-up and
expectations of performance and we are looking to strengthen our support team further to continue to develop players and teams to be competitive at the pinnacle of the World stage. This is no mean feat! Being competitive in all four categories at the Worlds involves a huge effort from limited volunteers. The more we can collaborate, share new ideas and implement best practice, the stronger we can be together.
A huge thank you must also go to all the people who work so hard behind the scenes to
support the wider administration of the squads. Special thanks to Deborah Webb, Ruth
McCutcheon, Richard Clews and David McBay who have continued to take on key
responsibilities that we could not do without.
Some coaching and support staff may remain in-post this year, but all roles are open for
application and consideration. If you have an interest in being a lead coach, assisting with coaching, or feel you can contribute to the organisation in any way, please complete the relevant application form. Even if you don’t think you could take on the full role but would be interested in contributing to a wider team, please get in touch.
The key roles are outlined in the attached documents, but the posts that are essential and volunteers are critically needed are highlighted below:
Coaches:
Senior Men (post essential – staff needed)
Senior Women
U21 Men
U21 Women (post essential – staff needed)
Please note that all coaches must have their formal Canoe Polo Coach qualifications by 1st January 2027.
Support Roles:
Performance:
1. Chair of Performance Squads (vacant)
2. Team Leader (post essential – staff needed)
3. Performance Manager (vacant)
Administrative:
1. Welfare Officer (post essential – staff needed)
2. Treasurer/ Finance Secretary (role filled, but additional help welcome)
3. General Facilitator (role filled)
4. Logistics Support (vacant)
5. Training Weekend Lead (vacant)
6. Kit Manager (vacant)
7. Fundraising Lead (vacant)
8. Public Relations / Social Media Lead (post essential – extra help needed)
Although knowledge of the game is vital for some roles, we would encourage anyone who has an interest in supporting the squads to submit an expression of interest to discuss how you might be best able to help. Equally, if you have other skills and experience that you feel may benefit the squad’s performance, such as sport psychology, nutrition, strength and conditioning etc, please get in touch.
If you would like additional information or would like to have an informal chat before
applying, please contact Ginny Coyles: vrcoyles@gmail.com to arrange.
Provisional closing date: 31st October 2026
Provisional key tournament dates for 2027:
1/2nd May 2027: ECA1, St Omer, FRA
12/13th June 2027: ECA2, Pfyn, SUI
3/4th July 2027: ECA3, Turnhout, BEL
20-26th September 2027 – European Championships, Thury Harcourt, FRA