We have a range of staff roles and responsibilities, some of which are mandatory and some are optional/flexible. We expect our staff to hold high professional standards in presentation; both in attitude, appearance and action, as well as being positive role models on and off the bike.

Junior Staff

Exceptional riders and aspiring coaches can get involved after attending our Kids Club and demonstrating their skills and attitude, usually starting around high school age. Once accepted you can join the group chat and are expected to organise your sessions fairly between yourselves, based on the forthcoming calendar announced each month, with a maximum of 1x Junior L1 (volunteer) and 1x Junior L2+ (paid) per senior coach.

Juniors are expected to pay full attention to their roles throughout the session – moving up to staff level can be a tricky task as socialising is no longer a priority during a session, instead, we’re looking to feed into the process of creating a fun and engaging environment that flows from start to finish. Moving from being a student to a teacher requires a change of mindset; I’m no longer here for me, I’m here for everyone around me. 

Junior Level 1 – Volunteer

Attend Kids Club for a full day (09:15-16:15) to assist senior coaches, typically starting from around age 12.

  • Fully maintained bike and riding kit (in team red/black colours) with backpack and lunch.
  • Mostly observational during session while being available to be helpful.
  • Help getting set up; including pre-ride checks, name boards and playing games to keep kids occupied.
  • Carry a supplied radio for team communications and return at the end of the day.
  • Provide demonstrations of features/skills using clearly visible coaching style.
  • Capture basic photo/video media and upload at the end of the session to a shared album.
  • Acknowledging a session on personal social media is encouraged.
  • Generally expected to make their own way to the session venue.
  • Parent’s choice to divert what would have been their ticket fee (£25) to a savings account as a symbol of reward.
  • Participate, share and converse in group chats and encourage others to join/add them.

Junior Level 2 – Get Paid

Your first job! Getting paid to ride your bike… starting from roughly age 14 at £25 per session.

  • Offer setup adjustments and stickers to kids during pre-ride checks.
  • Lead small offshoot groups for particular skills or features.
  • Capture extensive photo/video media and upload at the end of the session to a shared album.
  • Provide 1:1 assistance to kids who may struggle in groups or require additional input outwith the group.
  • Backpack with surplus capacity, tools and emergency resources.
  • Make suggestions for activities and add variety to the session.
  • Support senior staff in descriptions and discussions for technique and application.
  • Observe and cater for riders lacking in energy or morale.
  • Acknowledging each session on personal social media is required.

Junior Level 3 – Nearly Pro

Your first promotion! Getting paid more to ride your bike… from roughly age 16 at £50 per session.

  • Qualification – gain a certificate of basic coaching/guiding. We can upfront/sponsor this!
  • Independent responsibility for leading/coaching groups utilising the qualifications and associated cover it provides.
  • Arrange the junior staff schedule fairly via group chat with an additional volunteer where applicable at the beginning of each block.
  • Lead by example to guide and encourage L1 volunteer coaches.
  • Display of ‘new’ gadgets, tools and resources carried in the kit bag is encouraged.
  • Significant social media posting is expected, including spreading announcements and excitement.
  • Carrying business cards, making recommendations and recruiting riders by riding with team colours outwith sessions is encouraged.

Senior Staff

Coaches and guides are expected to be experienced and qualified for the appropriate level, holding all required qualifications and insurance to operate independently as a freelancer. We have developed a strong team philosophy and any staff should be familiar with our ethos. If you are interested in joining us, please visit our application page.

Our roles are structured with a simple hierarchy that allows for progression:

Senior Level 1 – Coach/Guide

Our L1 staff are typically British Cycling MBLA L2 or MBCUK TTL qualified and will be paid £100 per session.

  • Shadowing and assisting senior staff to develop coordination and philosophy.
  • Driving licence is almost essential.
  • Full responsibility of relevant quota of attendees, usually 6x or 8x with leadership qualifications.
  • Personal social media should be active, family-friendly and inspirational – otherwise it should be private or disassociated.
  • Responsibilities during a session should mimic those of the Junior coach roles previously listed.
  • Social media sharing is encouraged – insightful content and excitement!
  • Provide a post-session report (typically verbal, although written is acceptable) including major incidents and a general overview of significant progress or problems.
  • Open to mature conversation/feedback with parents regarding their child and the session.

Senior Level 2 – Lead Coach

Additional responsibilities and experience brings the pay rate up to £125 per session.

  • Operated as L1 to develop experience and team/philosophy coordination.
  • Taking sessions/groups as the lead coach without supervision, with assistance from Junior staff.
  • Familiarity with our particular techniques and principles is expected.
  • Responsible for arranging additional senior/junior staff if required.
  • Carrying a stock of resources, including; nameboards, stickers, first aid, emergency food and water, blankets, tools and lubes etc.
  • Basic mechanical ability is strongly advised – trailside repairs are regular and those who can bodge can genuinely save the day!
  • Social media sharing is mandatory – temporary posts will typically be reposted and high-quality posts will be accepted as co-author.
  • Experience driving a van and trailer is advantageous.

Senior Level 3 – Boss Coach

Our L3 staff are typically British Cycling MBLA L3 or MBCUK MBC qualified and will be paid £150 per session.

  • Manages all aspects of bookings, staff and customer relations for designated sessions/groups.
  • An abundance of tools, resources and equipment is expected.
  • Advanced mechanical ability is essential.
  • Posting directly to company social media with high-quality imagery and insightful written content.
  • Having a multi-seat vehicle (4+ passengers) with a towbar is advantageous.

Uniform

All staff are expected to wear a Trailcoach branded t-shirt or jersey, along with predominantly black or very dark outer garments. Staff are provided t-shirts as well as some occasional merch. Shoes and helmets are a little harder to coordinate so other colours are acceptable.

Branded merchandise is encouraged to be worn and displayed.

Staff will have access to partner discounts for clothing.

Equipment

A team radio should be carried by every member of staff for essential communications, typically mounted for ease of access.

The bike should be in tip-top condition, working order, lubed up and presentable.

Tools should be plentiful and resources available, such as first aid kits and emergency spares.

A backpack with room to carry a minimum of spare jacket and lunch is essential.

Staff will have access to partner discounts for equipment.

Payment

We operate on a freelance basis, meaning that staff are responsible for their own finances. Pay will be made directly via bank transfer after submitting a PDF invoice by email, usually at the end of each month if it’s regular, or invoiced on a job-by-job basis if not.

Hard work, consistency and excellence will be rewarded with occasional bonuses.

Media Bonus!

Video compilation edits made within 48h of the session will be rewarded with a bonus of £10:

  • 20-30 seconds roughly of footage edited to show fun highlights – length can increase if quality remains high!
  • Variety of rider/angle/feature.
  • Posted on social as a co-author.
  • Acceptable submissions will be posted on main page and can claim the bonus.

Kids Club Procedure

Pre-session
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the session to chat and welcome attendees.
  • Fill out a Risk Assessment for new venues or update the current status for regular venues.
  • Collect a radio and do a channel check.
Morning Junior Session
  • Lead the group M-check, safety gear and essential kit.
  • Query further checks while junior coaches manually check all tyres for suitable pressure.
  • A verbal run-through of ideas for the session to be discussed with kids and decided with a plan.
  • Headcount before leaving the start line – confirm group size with a colleague.
  • Media (photo/video) throughout the session of key moments, group shots and a rough rider selection.
  • Media is a vital element but should not detract from the experience at the club.
  • Ensure all participants get attention and input.
  • Keep an eye on the most vulnerable – no participants should be left out or feel intimidated.
  • Aim to finish the session with 10 minutes to spare – play a game if time is left upon arrival.
  • Leave 5 minutes for a group feedback session – highlights of progress, crashes, mechanicals and significant moments.
  • Finish with a reminder of the next venue and other ticket information.
  • Chat with parents who seek feedback while seeking to provide feedback for outstanding or problematic riders.
Lunch Break
  • Lunch – hide for a bit to chill and rest. Don’t worry about being unavailable during this time.
  • Open the next session with 5 minutes to go – welcome and chat as in the morning.
  • Repeat the afternoon session with the same procedures.
Post-session
  • Team catchup at the end to discuss internal feedback.
  • Return radios to be charged.
  • Upload media to the shared album and confirm.
  • Distribute social output to multiple channels.
  • Major incidents should be reported via the website for official records.

General Philosophy #FuelledByFun

  • Biking is exciting and fun – our attitude should reflect that.
  • Inclusivity is at the core of what we do – everyone can have fun!
  • Equipment is NOT the key to fun – run what you bring – less bike can be more fun!
  • Proactive preparation prevents piss poor performance.
  • A positive, encouraging atmosphere is essential to learning and development.
  • Bullying and physical abuse is not tolerated – such behaviour should be reported to senior coach and parents.
  • Discipline is essential, but once established, flexibility is encouraged.
  • 3 strikes and you’re out – told once, warned twice with consequences, three times disciplined with established consequences.
  • Establish core techniques before progress – confirm abilities with a logical progression to minimise risk.
  • The group is only as strong as its weakest member – teamwork compensates for any deficit.
  • Enable and empower by offering/delegating responsibility where merit is demonstrated.
  • Engage with the public and other outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Lead by example – integrity is essential for developing effective and lasting trust and confidence.
  • Offer deeper insight into a subject or situation when presented and encourage the group to witness it.
  • Encourage self-reflection and problem-solving rather than providing answers or solutions.
  • Confidence is NOT courage – trusting the technique, logical process and experience offers the only acceptable progressive outcome.
  • Cajoling and encouragement should be deployed with tact – too much pressure can crumble confidence.
  • Learning is not limited to bikes – environmental, social and cultural observations and discussion are encouraged.