Sports Coach

Learning Support Assistant – 1:1 Sports-Focused Role

Location: Liverpool
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: Immediate / As Soon As Possible

An Alternative Provision School in Liverpool is looking for a committed, energetic, and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to provide 1:1 support to secondary-aged students who have struggled to thrive in mainstream education. This role is ideal for someone passionate about making a meaningful difference—particularly through the power of sport.

The position is heavily sports-focused, making it an excellent opportunity for candidates with a coaching background or a genuine enthusiasm for activities such as football, who can use sport as a tool to build trust, motivation, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to secondary students, helping them overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential.
• Use sports and physical activity to build rapport, improve engagement, and develop social and emotional skills.
• Support students with challenging behaviour and SEND needs (including ADHD) using personalised strategies that encourage positive progress.
• Assist with students’ academic, emotional, and social development throughout the school day.
• Help create a safe, motivating, and inclusive environment where students feel supported and valued.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience in sports coaching or a strong passion for sport, particularly football, with confidence in using physical activity as a tool for engagement.
• Skilled in supporting young people with challenging behaviour or special educational needs, such as ADHD.
• Creative, adaptable, and proactive in developing strategies that support learning both in and beyond the classroom.
• Able to build positive, trusting relationships and committed to the personal growth and wellbeing of young people.
• Experience in an alternative provision, SEND environment, or working with disengaged youth is highly advantageous.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience in a school, youth work, or similar setting, especially supporting students who have faced challenges in mainstream education.
• A background in sports coaching or experience integrating sport into learning activities (highly desirable).
• Strong understanding of SEND, particularly behavioural needs and ADHD.
• Patience, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping young people grow, achieve, and re-engage with learning.