Professional Development Phase Lead Coach

JOB TITLE: Professional Development Phase Lead Coach

REPORTING TO: Academy Manager

LOCATION: Platt Lane Training Ground (M14 7UU), Heywood Sports Village (OL10 4TW), fixture locations

HOURS: Full time

REMUNERATION: Competitive based on CAT 3 / CAT 4 Academy benchmarking data

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 1907, Rochdale AFC is an established professional football club, who will compete in The National League for the 2024/25 season, alongside FA Cup and FA Trophy knockout competition commitments. We are involved in a broad range of sporting, commercial, and charitable activities, with a controlling stake in the club recently acquired by The Ogden Family.

To strengthen and further develop our staff, we are looking to recruit a Professional Development Phase Lead Coach, who ideally will have previous experience in a similar role. The role will be full-time, overseeing day to day training requirements for players aged 16-19, as well as a weekly fixture programme in The EFL Youth Alliance. Working collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary youth development team will be critical.

The successful candidate will hold a UEFA A Licence, as well as the relevant FA ‘age appropriate’ qualifications. Those who have worked with PDP players within CAT 1 – CAT 4 Academies will have a significant advantage, however outstanding candidates who have worked with FP and/or YDP age groups, or those from senior environments, may also be considered.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

o Lead on planning, delivery, and review of the U19 coaching programme.

o Lead on planning, delivery, and review of the U19 fixture programme.

o Manage and deploy a small team to assist in the delivery of training sessions.

o Collaborate with Performance / Sports Science / Medical staff members to ensure that each and every player is being provided with bespoke programmes to the highest standards possible.

o Play an active role in the Academy Management Team.

o Undertake individual player reviews in line with EFL / LFE requirements.

o Report on player progress to the club Technical Board, including recommendations on release / retain.

o Commitment to undertaking continual professional development in order to maintain an up to date understanding of best practice.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

ESSENTIALS:

o UEFA A and other mandatory PDP qualifications.

o Up to date emergency aid and safeguarding certifications.

o Experience in a professional football club.

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

o Able to work unsociable hours (e.g. commuting to away fixtures).

‘NICE TO HAVES’:

o PDP experience in a CAT 3 or CAT 4 Academy.

o Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a football environment.

o Understanding of LFE Apprenticeship programme.

o Ability to lead and develop a small team.

o Based in or around Greater Manchester.

From time to time, the successful applicant may be asked to assist with activity essential to club operations that is not outlined in the above day to day duties. The successful applicant must carry out his/her duties with due regard for Rochdale Association Football Club Limited policies and procedures, and act in the best interest of Rochdale Association Football Club Limited at all times.

The successful applicant must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations.

The Rochdale AFC family is wholly committed to safeguarding, and promoting the welfare and safety of young people. We fully expect our Board, employees, and volunteers to demonstrate and communicate this commitment at all times. As such, a DBS check will be required in order to undertake this post.