Our New Assistant Coach Program

Updated and Much Improved

Assistant Coaching Program at Function First

It’s been a while in the making, but our Assistant Coaching Program is now in full swing — and we’re proud of how it’s developing. Nothing here is set in stone; the program continues to evolve and improve as we go, but the foundations are strong and the vision is clear.

Our mission is simple: to create confident, capable young leaders — people who understand responsibility, teamwork, and integrity both inside and outside the gym.

Getting Started

To apply, you must hold at least a Function First Cadet Blue Belt.
This ensures you already understand our culture, training standards, and technical fundamentals.

If you’re interested in becoming an Assistant Coach, the first step is to fill out an application form.
Spaces are limited, so if the program is currently full, you’ll be added to our waiting list for the next intake.

Ten Levels of Development

Once accepted, each Assistant Coach begins a structured journey through ten levels of personal and professional development.

From the start, you’ll receive clear, defined goals, tasks, and responsibilities that gradually build your leadership, communication, and coaching skills.

We begin small — for example, to achieve Level One, you might:

  • Line the Vipers up and salute them into the room

  • Help younger students with their equipment

  • Support the class environment and assist the lead coach

Each level increases in both responsibility and skill.
By higher levels, you’ll be expected to:

  • Lead warm-ups using Tabata-style interval training

  • Mentor new assistant coaches

  • Plan and deliver short teaching segments or drills

On the surface, these may seem like simple tasks, but each one develops deeper skills — from communication and confidence to leadership and accountability.

Example: Level Two

At Level Two, assistants are expected to perform all tasks independently and consistently.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Saluting students into class

  • Welcoming and integrating new members into our club culture

  • Ensuring shoes are worn to the toilet (cleanliness and hygiene)

  • Keeping training areas tidy and organised

  • Continuing all Level One duties

But more importantly, Level Two introduces a key principle:

We don’t just tell people what to do — we show them and explain why.

Culture is everything. A strong culture lifts everyone up, while a weak one sinks to the lowest common denominator.
That’s why we teach our assistants to protect our culture — to maintain respect, discipline, and pride in what we do.
A good leader doesn’t drift with the tide — they steer the ship toward what’s best for everyone.

The Why Behind the Program

Every part of this program has been built from over twenty years of professional coaching experience, both in the UK and internationally. We’ve studied how gyms and organisations operate, and we’ve applied those lessons to create something truly meaningful.

At Function First, we know why we do what we do — every policy, every drill, every detail has a reason behind it. We’re constantly refining, improving, and raising the standard for ourselves and our students.

Growing Real-World Skills

As assistants move up the levels, responsibilities expand to include communication, initiative, and accountability.

For example, if an assistant can’t make it to class, they call the coach — not mum or dad.
If they ever decide to step away, they discuss it with us directly.
That’s how things work in the real world — with integrity, honesty, and respect.

Because the truth is:

“The little things aren’t little — they’re what make the big things possible.”

Lots of small actions, done consistently, create strong leaders.
Lots of small voices, speaking up in the right way, can change the world.

Interested in Becoming an Assistant Coach?

If you’d like to join our Assistant Coaching Program, please speak with a member of the Function First Team or enquire at reception for the next intake.

We’re building the next generation of confident, capable, and compassionate leaders — one level at a time.