Academy Lead Professional Development Phase Coach

EFL; Swindon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A football academy is seeking a Lead Professional Development Phase Coach to lead the technical and tactical advancement of Under-17s to Under-18s players. This role requires a UEFA A Coaching Licence and at least 3 years' experience in coaching or academy leadership. The ideal candidate will be responsible for delivering the coaching curriculum, managing games, and designing individual learning plans. The position is full-time and based in Swindon, with additional travel to training facilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience as a PDP Coach or Academy Head of Coaching.
• Knowledge in pedagogy and leading development programs.
• Experience in football coaching and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Enhance individual and team advancement for Under-17s to Under-18s.
• Deliver coaching curriculum and manage the games program.
• Design and implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for players.

Skills

Excellent communication

Ability to work on own initiative

Flexibility

Time management skills

Team leadership

Education

UEFA A Coaching Licence

FA Advanced Youth Award

Safeguarding and Protecting Children

Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAIF)

Tools

FiP

Sportscode

Excel

Word

Job description

Lead Professional Development Phase Coach

Location: The County Ground with the abilities to travel to other training facilities
Reports to: Academy Director & Head of Football Development, Academy Head of Player Development, Academy Head of Coaching
Full Time: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: dependant upon experience

Overall purpose of the job

To enhance the technical and tactical advancement (individual and team) of the Under-17s to Under-18s and prepare players for senior football.
To enhance the football and holistic development of the players in the Under 17s to Under 18s age groups. Manage the technical and tactical advancement (individual and team) of the players in conjunction with other coaches and MDT

Key tasks and responsibilities

Personal Development

Undertake self-development to ensure knowledge in relation to all aspects of your role is up-to-date and forward-thinking:

• Assist with elite development group training
• Assist with coaching across other Academy age groups

Coaching Curriculum, Playing and Coaching Philosophy

• Deliver the academy’s coaching curriculum in line with the academy’s playing philosophy and coaching philosophy
• Design and implement an age-appropriate programme and schedule that maximises the academy's resources and provides maximal opportunity for players to practice, develop and learn.
• Lead the on‑grass delivery of sessions and games

Games Programme

• Provide a varied and consistent games programme (U17/U18/U19)
• Maximise playing minutes and opportunities (U15-U19)
• Support with the planning of the player’s work experience/loan program

Individual Learning Plan Design and Delivery

• Working with the Academy Head of Player Development and Technical Development Lead, design and deliver ILPs
• Working with the Academy Head of Player Development and Technical Development Lead, create an MDT approach to enhance each individual’s performance on and off the grass
• Manage player transitions into and from the phase (player handovers, inductions, player signings, transition across a player journey)

Feedback

• Complete and deliver feedback to staff and players/parents in line with the club's processes and protocols
• MDT review meetings every 6 weeks
• Player reviews every 6 weeks / Parent + Player every 12 weeks
• Session plans, evaluations and player data (FiP)
• Education management system reviews
• Attend the club technical board meetings
• Attend weekly PDP MDT planning & review meetings

Performance Analysis

• Provide data & video evidence to support the development and measurement of performance
• Independently clip/tag and share video footage related to the match objectives & game review
• Independently clip/tag and share video footage related to a player's ILP
• Support players compile ‘Me at my best’ playlists

Facilities & Equipment

• Adhere to all match day and training protocols
• Responsible for all kit and equipment related to the PDP phase

SEP

• Contribute to the delivery of the SEP apprenticeship programme

Manage Staff

• Manage staff as required by the Academy Director & Head of Football Development to deliver the programme.

Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post and to assist the Academy Director.

About The Candidate

Qualifications

• UEFA A Coaching Licence
• FA Advanced Youth Award
• Safeguarding and Protecting Children
• Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAIF)

Experience

Minimum 3 years experience in one or more of the following roles:

• PDP Coach
• Academy Head of Coaching
• Lead Phase

Knowledge and/or experience of at least 3 of the following:

• The process of learning in young people (pedagogy)
• Running and designing development programmes
• Football coaching
• Leading a team
• Professional playing experience
• Sports Psychology

ICT experience of FiP, Sportscode/hudl, excel, word and any other software as required to carry out the duties required for the job

Who you are

• Excellent communication
• Have a flexible attitude to work
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Have a polite and courteous manner
• Be organised and have good time management skills
• The ability to meet stringent deadlines
• Be able to adapt to different and changing situations
• Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives
• Have a personable approach