Academy Coaches (U9-U12)

EFL; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A professional football club in the UK is seeking part-time Academy Coaches to provide high-quality coaching for young players (ages 9-12). The role requires creativity and enthusiasm to deliver engaging sessions and involves flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends. Candidates should hold a UEFA B Licence and have experience in youth coaching. Training will be aligned with the Academy's philosophy, focusing on player development and performance evaluation.

Qualifications

• Minimum UEFA B Licence is required.
• Experience working with players aged 9-12 in a coaching environment.
• Familiarity with video analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate coaching sessions.
• Monitor and review player development.
• Attend parent/player reviews and meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication

Creative thinking

Organisational skills

Commitment to personal development

Problem-solving

Flexible and reliable

Education

UEFA B Licence

Emergency First Aid in Football

FA Youth Award

FA Safeguarding Children Certificate

Tools

HUDL

Job description

Job Title: Academy Coach (Casual), Schoolboy Provision

Reports to: Academy Head of Coaching

Location: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool

Hours: Casual, to meet the needs of the Academy

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience.

Who we are:

Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire. The Club was founded in 1887 and has a very storied history, from being a founding member of the Lancashire League in 1889, rising to the Top‑Flight of the Football League (the old First Division) in 1930, to winning the FA Cup in 1953 and being promoted to the Premier League in 2010 (becoming the first Club to gain promotion from every division of the Football League via the play‑off system). The team are competing in League One, the third tier of the English Football League. The Club have played their home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.

Job Purpose:

We are seeking enthusiastic, creative, and committed Part‑Time Academy Coaches to work within our Schoolboy Provision (ages 9–12). The successful candidates will be responsible for delivering high‑quality coaching sessions and supporting matchdays in line with the Academy’s coaching philosophy and the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). This role requires a commitment to flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of the training and match schedules. This is a part‑time role, paid on an invoice basis, with remuneration linked to coaching sessions and match involvement. Specific rates will be discussed at the interview stage.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Plan and deliver age‑appropriate, engaging coaching sessions in line with Blackpool FC Academy’s playing and coaching philosophy.
• Prepare and evaluate individual and team sessions, ensuring alignment with Academy phase outcomes.
• Use video analysis platforms (e.g. HUDL) to assess player performance, support development plans, and deliver constructive feedback.
• Monitor and review player development through regular evaluations, ILPs, and performance reports.
• Attend and contribute to parent/Player reviews and meetings, offering clear feedback and development targets.
• Work collaboratively with Academy staff, including medical, sports science, education, and Player care teams, to support each Player’s holistic development.
• Support the implementation of the Academy’s individual learning plan process and assist Players in meeting technical, tactical, physical and psychological targets.
• Actively engage in internal CPD events and contribute to ongoing coaching discussions and reflective practices.
• Promote a positive and challenging environment that encourages creativity, resilience and individual growth.
• Maintain accurate records in line with EPPP audit standards and Academy protocols.
• Uphold and enforce the highest standards of safeguarding, health and safety and welfare across all activities.
• To adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
• To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all Players and staff.
• To promote a professional image of the Club and themselves at all times.
• To contribute to identifying and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
• To work with and support other team members as required ensuring effective and efficient service is developed and delivered.
• You will be expected to seek ways of updating and improving personal skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to your own job role.
• Additional duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Coaching.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• UEFA B Licence (minimum requirement).
• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF).
• FA Youth Award.
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.

Experience

• Experience working with Players aged 9–12, within a coaching environment.
• A sound understanding of youth development, learning principles and the EPPP framework.
• Experience within a Category 3 (or higher) Academy.
• Experience within a Pre‑Academy (Cat 1 – Cat 3).
• Familiarity with HUDL or similar video analysis tools.
• Understanding of ILP processes and multi‑disciplinary team collaboration.

Knowledge & Skills

• Passionate about Player development and education.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinker who can engage and inspire young Players.
• Committed to personal development and reflective practice.
• Flexible and reliable – able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Personal Qualities

• A quick learner with the ability to work independently.
• Good initiative, enthusiasm, problem‑solving approach to new challenges.
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, reliability and the ability to ensure confidentiality at all times.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Works within a team environment, co‑operates with others, considers the needs of others and helps others to achieve objectives.
• A strong commitment to your own personal development.

We encourage early applicants as we reserve the right to close the application process at any time.

This job will be subject to satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS procedures.

Closing date for applications is Friday 16 January 2026.

Safeguarding: Blackpool Football Club Ltd and the EFL are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. Posts advertised may require Enhanced Criminal Record Checks and may include checks against the Barred lists, as such it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Therefore, all convictions, including spent convictions that have not been subject to filtering by the DBS should be declared.

Recruitment checks: You will also be required to provide details of referees for the previous five years’ working history or referees whilst in full‑time education.

Equality and Diversity: Employees must always carry out their duties with due regard to Blackpool Football Club’s policies and procedures. The employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity, treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.

Inclusion and Anti‑Discrimination Mission Statement: At Blackpool Football Club we aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all supporters and hold inclusion and anti‑discrimination at the core of our values. We are committed to creating an environment which welcomes and respects people from all communities, promoting equality and diversity at Bloomfield Road and its associated premises. Blackpool Football Club recognises the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and will play an active role in supporting inclusion and putting an end to discrimination.

Blackpool Football Club is an equal opportunities employer.