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Arsenal in the Community is dedicated to improving the lives of the local community through the delivery of various programmes across sports, education, health and social inclusion.

These programmes embrace a wide variety of community involvement and they are delivered and received with the same energy and commitment today as when they started over 30 years ago.

Through the Arsenal Gap Programme, volunteers are given the opportunity for a truly unique experience gaining key employability and life skills whilst representing the Club in London and around the world. The basis of the programme follows this structure:

Stage 1 is based in London, at the Arsenal Hub, and lasts 5 months. This stage provides training and development opportunities for the 'Gappers' including coaching qualifications, First Aid, Safeguarding and TEFL courses. 'Gappers' are then placed within PE departments in local schools and in coaching roles across a range of Arsenal in the Community projects to build up their experience.

Stage 2 gives the 'Gappers' the opportunity to travel abroad to coach at one of their community programmes around the world for a period of up to 3 months. 'Gappers' also have the choice to remain in London if they do not wish to travel abroad.

Stage 3 (Optional) gives 'Gappers' the chance to undertake a bespoke work programme back in London that allows them to continue their development and supports them towards achieving their next step beyond the programme.

Successful applicants onto the programme would need to be aged 18+ at the start of the programme. The programme will start on 3 August 2020. This is a development programme - a successful applicant will have a willingness to learn and a desire to improve leadership skills in order to gain most from the experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning and delivery of first-class coaching at designated projects using the Arsenal in the Community philosophies and training methods.
• Support the Session Lead of the group you are allocated to, ensuring all appropriate policies and procedures from the Club or those of any host organisation are adhered to.
• Liaise with teachers and parents/guardians in a professional manner, directing questions to an appropriate person of authority at Arsenal in the Community and/or any host organisation.
• Assist with the delivery of curriculum time PE sessions in school placement.
• Lead extra-curricular football sessions at school placement.
• Liaise with PE staff with regards to all aspects of school placement.
• Ensuring the venue and equipment are left in good order.
• Completing and submitting any necessary documentation following a session or event, including registers and the recording of incidents or information that Arsenal in the Community and/or the host organisation should be made aware of.
• Ensure the health and safety of all sessions.
• Attend and be prepared to participate in the required Coach Education training sessions and Development Reviews with the Project Coordinator(s) when requested.
• Ensure all documentation is provided in a timely manner for enrolment onto the programme, as well as for all UK and overseas placements, courses or other needs as requested by the Project Coordinator(s).
• Complete any additional tasks set by the Project Coordinator(s).
• Support other Arsenal in the Community projects where appropriate.

Education/Qualifications/Training:

The Arsenal Gap Year Programme is open to everyone from school leavers to those wanting a career break or seeking to take the first steps to a career in football coaching.

Desired Experience:

• Some experience of community/youth focused projects.
• Experience of or willingness to travel abroad and adapt to new, unfamiliar surroundings.
• Some experience of volunteering and/or working with children and youth.

For more detailed information on the programme, costs involved and FAQs, please download the Arsenal Gap Year information pack by clicking here.

Please click on the link here to apply. Before applying, please do familiarise yourself fully with the programme via the information pack.

Applications are open until 29 May 2020.

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