Volunteer Coaching Role:
We’re looking for a friendly, patient, and enthusiastic coach to lead our U7s — the very first step on the rugby journey for our youngest players.

This is a unique and important role in the club. Unlike other age groups, you stay put. Each September a brand-new group of mini rugby players will join you, and each year, once they’re ready, they’ll move up to U8s — carrying with them the habits, confidence, and love of the game you helped build. You are the constant. The foundation. The first rugby coach every single player at this club will ever have.

Why This Role Matters:
First impressions last a lifetime. How a child experiences their very first season of rugby often decides whether they fall in love with the game — or walk away from it. As U7 Coach, you set the tone for everything that follows: safety, fun, fairness, and a genuine smile every Sunday morning.
What You’ll Be Doing:
• Planning and delivering fun, safe, age-appropriate sessions focused on basic skills — running, catching, passing, and evasion — through games rather than drills
• Creating a welcoming, low-pressure environment where every child (and nervous new parent!) feels part of the club from day one
• Building relationships with parents/carers, helping them understand what mini rugby is all about
• Working closely with our Age Grade lead and fellow coaches to ensure a smooth handover as players progress to U8
• Role-modelling the club’s values — inclusion, effort, and enjoyment above results
• Supporting matchday/festival organisation for the age group (with help — you won’t be doing this alone)
What We’re Looking For
• Patience, warmth, and a genuine enjoyment of working with young children (most players will be 5-6 years old, many brand new to organised sport)
• No coaching experience necessary — full support, mentoring, and access to RFU coaching courses will be provided
• Willingness to complete (or already hold) an RFU coaching qualification, DBS check, and safeguarding training
• A reliable, long-term commitment to the role given its “anchor” nature within the club
• A team player who’ll work well with our wider coaching group and volunteers
What You’ll Get
• Full support from the club’s coaching and volunteer network, including training materials and session plans
• RFU coaching qualifications and CPD, funded by the club
• The reward of watching an entire year group take their first steps in the game — and knowing you helped shape the way they feel about rugby for years to come
• A genuinely brilliant, family-feel community at Exeter Athletic RFC