Pre-Academy Age Group Coach

EFL; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A professional football academy is looking for committed placement/volunteer Pre-Academy Coaches to support U7 and U8 age groups. This role involves planning engaging sessions, managing fixtures, and contributing to player development. An ideal candidate will have experience coaching youth football, an FA Level 2 certification, and a positive, player-centred approach. This is a brilliant opportunity to gain valuable experience within a professional academy environment.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching youth or grassroots football.
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate (or willingness to complete).
• Creative and adaptable approach to coaching.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging sessions for U7 and U8 players.
• Manage weekend fixtures for the U8 team.
• Contribute to player development and reviews.

Skills

Coaching youth football

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Reliability

Positive attitude

Education

FA Level 2 (UEFA C) in Coaching Football

Job description

Burton Albion FC Academy is looking for committed placement/volunteer Pre‑Academy Coaches to support our U7 and U8 age groups. This is a brilliant opportunity for aspiring coaches to gain experience within a professional academy environment.

What you’ll do:

• Plan and deliver fun, engaging age‑appropriate sessions in line with our coaching philosophy.
• Support and manage weekend fixtures for the U8 team.
• Create a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Work closely with the Foundation Phase Lead and fellow coaches.
• Contribute to player reviews and development reports.

What you’ll need:

• Experience coaching youth or grassroots football.
• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate (or willingness to complete).
• A player‑centred, positive and professional attitude.

Additional requirements:

• Enhanced DBS Check.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and safeguarding.

If you’re passionate about developing young players and want hands‑on experience within a professional academy, we’d love to hear from you.

About The Candidate

Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge

• FA Level 2 (UEFA C) in Coaching Football or higher
• Previous coaching experience within youth or grassroots football
• A current FA/FAW Safeguarding Children Workshop Certificate (or willingness to complete within 1 month of appointment)

Person Specification – Skills/Abilities

• Understanding of age-appropriate player development and the FA’s four-corner model.
• Ability to use technology for session planning and reviews.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, particularly with young players and parents.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, professional and honest.
• Positive and player-centred approach to coaching.
• Creative, adaptable and willing to use initiative.
• Confident, calm and assertive when required.
• Demonstrates ambition, passion for youth development and a willingness to learn, reflecting Burton Albion FC’s commitment to growth and progression.
• Committed to, and an understanding of, equality and diversity in sport

About The Club

Code of Conduct

The Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct (along with the Staff Handbook) makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club, as the employer. All employees are expected to act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club at all times. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the general public or damaging to its public image shall be considered to be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive and violent behaviour are unacceptable and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality Inclusion & Diversity

Burton Albion are committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion and diversity of opportunity is at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job applicant, employee, volunteer or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal.

The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards and we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community and anyone with a disability.

Safeguarding

Burton Albion are committed to and has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst engaged in services organised and provided by the Club and believes that the general wellbeing, welfare and safety of all children and vulnerable adults engaged in Club activities is of the upmost importance. The Club will fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring it displays best practice in safeguarding matters – including Safer Recruitment - , carried out in a spirit of partnership and openness with the child or vulnerable adult, families and the relevant local authority.