Lead U16 Coach

Kick It Out; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football club in the East Midlands is seeking a Lead U16 Coach to join their Academy Coaching team. The role involves leading coaching for the U16 age group, managing training and match preparations, and supporting player development. Candidates must possess a UEFA B Coaching License and demonstrate significant experience in youth coaching. This is a full-time position with competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits including annual leave, health plans, and personal development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Complimentary staff season tickets

Healthshield Cash Health Plan

Training and development opportunities

Subsidised lunchtime meals

Qualifications

• Significant experience working with youth players.
• A minimum of 3 years in 11v11 coaching.
• Strong passion for youth development and coaching.

Responsibilities

• Lead coaching for U16 Youth Development Phase.
• Manage training and match preparation.
• Ensure effective application of Derby County Game Craft Model.

Skills

Experience with Youth Development

Excellent communication skills

Experience in football coaching

Organizational skills

Education

UEFA B Coaching License

FA Advanced Youth Awards

Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football

Tools

Kitman Labs

Job description

Lead U16 Coach – Opportunity

Derby County are seeking to recruit a Lead U16 Coach to join Academy Coaching at Moor Farm Training Centre.

Working for Derby County Football Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of England’s most historic and passionately supported clubs. With a proud legacy, a dedicated fan base, and an exciting vision for the future, Derby County offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment both on and off the pitch, whether you join the team in coaching, administration, marketing, or operations. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Lead coaching for one Youth Development Phase age group, overseeing training, match preparation and delivery to a high standard.
• Ensure the Derby County Game Craft Model is taught and applied effectively in an age-appropriate way.
• Work closely with Individual Development Coaches to deliver tailored IDPs and player support.
• Collaborate with U15 and Professional Development Phase staff to ensure clear player pathways and progression.
• Support high-quality session planning, delivery and evaluation alongside the Head of Academy Coaching.
• Act as a key MDT stakeholder to promote holistic player development.
• Manage review processes, including weekly feedback, analysis and reporting within required platforms and timelines.
• Lead the age-group games programme, meeting all operational requirements and liaising across phases, including tours and tournaments.
• Support cross-phase coaching, day‑release sessions and age-group cover as required.
• Maintain clear, transparent communication with players and parents, supporting feedback processes.
• Contribute to staff development through CPD, meetings, audits, appraisals and the coaching competency framework.
• Attend MDT, operational, selection and audit meetings, leading age-group player audits and contributing to retention, release and scholarship decisions.
• Oversee age-group kit and equipment, and hold regular reflective meetings with the Head of Academy Coaching.

Personal Characteristics & Experience

• Experience working with players who have progressed through the Academy system.
• Experience in football coaching in a professional environment.
• Experience of coaching 11v11 format (3 Years or Over).
• Experience in implementing policies and procedures and reviewing practices to ensure continuous improvement.
• Passion, desire and understanding of Youth Development.
• Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels.
• Ability to organise, schedule and adapt work tasks to meet conflicting deadlines and respond to changing situations.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.
• Understanding of EPPP and the audit process.
• Ability to enter data efficiently and effectively on Kitman Labs and other suitable platforms.

Qualifications

• UEFA B Coaching License.
• FA Advanced Youth Awards.
• Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football.

Salary & Working Hours

Salary is competitive, dependent on experience.

This is a full-time role, and due to the demands of professional football, there is a requirement for weekend and evening work, as well as regular national travel.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Two complimentary staff season tickets
• Two complimentary staff away memberships, subject to availability
• Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors
• Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well‑being and Perks for great deals and discounts
• Participation in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’ and Staff Events!
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust
• Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm

Equal Opportunity & DBS

Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.

As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.

Application Process

To apply for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found HERE. The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday, 22 January 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Strictly no agencies please.