Our coaches really enable our Academy to flourish and we work as a strong supportive team. We’re currently looking for 1 volunteer coach to join our Academy in Portsmouth, and 2 volunteer coaches in Gosport. Please contact coach@portsmouthdartsacademy.co.uk if you would like to find out more information, or put yourself forward.

The Academy

The Portsmouth Darts Academy (PDA) was set up in November 2018, and officially launched its Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) partnership in January 2019 when we welcomed our first members. The academy was further extended with the launch of sessions in Gosport in 2024.

The Academy ethos is fundamentally that all coaches actively encourage children to have respect for each other and for other people’s property. Good and kind/polite behaviour is regularly acknowledged and rewarded. We encourage fun and learning when it comes to darts – it is not ALL about the competitions, albeit we also work with students to prepare them for what competitions involve and aim to remove any uncertainty before events.

In working with the JDC; the PDA is effectively a ‘grass-roots’ entry point for those looking to participate in  the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

Role Profile

Role Title	PDA Coach
Position Type	On-going volunteer
Responsibilities	Support student members aged 6-18 in the sessions. This involves; Welcoming members & parents Encouraging and supporting a warmup Encouraging focus on the JDC routine, and provide insight in to how to improve, what to aim for based on ability, promote thinking carefully Monitoring behaviour, and encouraging code of conduct/dart etiquette throughout sessions Celebrating successes enthusiastically Providing support, guidance & encouragement to members when they don’t throw their best Preparing games, routines, tournaments (as appropriate) with the wider PDA coaching team Providing feedback to the Academy leadership on members when requested Accurately recording the routine results on the devices provided in the session Reporting any breaches of PDA policy Ensure safe academy play space; remind members of their responsibilities to remain safe Helping to either set up or pack down (or both where possible) Positive promotion of PDA to the wider community Adhere to all required policies and processes
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities	An understanding of darts – although full JDC routine training will be provided. Ability to communicate well with both children and adults Ability to follow direction well Use of computer tablets Understanding of child safeguarding practice is desirable (a common-sense approach is usually enough) Plenty of enthusiasm Willingness to share ideas for improving the Academy. This position is subject to Basic DBS Clearance and a probation period of 3 months.
Reports To	The Academy Director
Confidentiality	N/A – no confidential data handled regularly

Requirements

• Commit to attend sessions (minimum 6 out of 8 per season) 18:00-19:30 every Monday for Portsmouth/Wednesday for Gosport. Notify Frankie (or Vicky in his absence) of being unable to attend as soon as possible.
• Every Tuesday, coaches receive an update summary (via Whatsapp) of the previous session. There may be queries, or specific instructions provided for the following session which need to be adhered to
• Promote the academy locally to encourage new membership

What you get

• Optional online training certifications in various coaching courses and working with children in sport. These are free.
• Subject to successfully passing a probation period: optional First Aid training
• Subject to successfully passing a probation period; optional Safeguarding Children training
• Premium feature access in GoDartsPro.com

Please email coach@portsmouthdartsacademy.co.uk if you would like to volunteer and require the next steps.