Head of Academy Coaching

2. Duties and responsibilities:

• To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all staff, players and stakeholdersof the Club;

• Collaborate with the HofTD and Academy Senior staff to develop the coaching and playing philosophies, principles & styles of play, Academy curriculum and the Coach Education program, to implement across the Academy program.
• Continually monitor the delivery of the football strategy, to ensure this aligns with the 1^st team and the club’s overriding football strategy
• Continually review the implementation of the footballing strategy, through use of various data and provide ongoing feedback to the Academy Senior staff, HofTD and the Technical Board
• Annually self-assess/action plan, the football strategy in collaboration with the Academy Senior staff, HofTD and the Technical Board.
• Deliver on the grass “Coach Education” & “Player Development” sessions
• Manage the recruitment / induction process for new coaches coming into the Academy
• To be responsible for implementing all aspects of coaching within the Academy Performance Plan including updating the CASA system for EPPP Audit purposes
• Collaborate with Academy Senior staff and provide support in implementing the position specific and individualized program for players, ensuring all relevant coaching staff are education and have clarity on the delivery of this.
• To support the Academy Senior staff working with teams/coaches in managing the transition and pathway for players through the Academy system
• Develop a “Best Practice” library of sessions, aligned to the football strategy that runs through the Academy system, ensuring effective usage by coaches
• To lead and manage the coach observation / feedback process to develop coaches across the Academy
• In conjunction with each of the Club’s coaches, plan, deliver and monitor the delivery of individual development plans for each coach through a coaching competency framework (CCF)
• To be responsible for designing and delivering the Club’s continued professional development (CPD) program which shall reflect the Club’s playing and coaching philosophy
• To liaise with external organizations/club support with regard to the coaching aspects at the Academy when required
• To hold an active role in making key decisions on all aspects of the football program as part of the academy technical management team
• To drive and discuss player progression with relevant staff across the Academy linked to the Academy depth charts
• To deliver specific CPD events for coaches as a group and also individualized 1:1 support for coaches
• Undertake the Club’s performance management process with staff reporting to this role
• To liaise with parents of players as and when required
• To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting their well-being whilst maintaining professional boundaries

3. Skills required:

• The ability to lead and motivate teams and individuals;
• To be able to work as part of an inter-disciplinary team;
• The ability to work independently and proactively with minimum supervision;
• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence;
• The ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines;
• Good listening skills (particularly pastorally for players);
• Good level of analytical skills;
• Competent use of key IT programmes including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as key online systems;
• The ability to problem solve;
• A flexible approach to work to meet the business needs;
• To be innovative in thinking and moving the department forward;
• Professionalism; and
• The ability to act with discretion and confidentiality.

4. Knowledge required:

• Good knowledge of safeguarding/child protection policies and procedures;
• Excellent knowledge of various training models within the Academy;
• Knowledge of key strategies to develop coaches within the Academy system;
• Knowledge of varying methods in providing effective feedback/support in developing coaches;
• Knowledge and understanding of developing coaching curriculums for varying age groups through the Academy system;
• An understanding of player development and the impact coaches can have;
• An understanding of the “Coaching Pathway” in relation to qualifications set out by external stakeholders;
• Knowledge of player development models and the key strategies and methods to implement for young players; and
• Knowledge of player development models which align from senior level into the Academy system.

5. Qualifications required:

Essential:

• UEFA A Licence;
• Advanced Youth Award;
• FA Youth modules 1-3 & Assessment;
• FA First Aid; and
• FA Safeguarding

Desirable:

• UEFA Pro License
• Sports related Degree

DBS check required:

Yes (Enhanced)