Lead Professional Development Phase Coach

Job purpose: Working with PDP staff and the Head of Coaching to coach and manage the PDP players at MK Dons. Create an environment that allows players to thrive and achieve their Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) in areas such as football, education, life skills and physical development.

Role Competencies:

Planning Timescales:

• Deliver and maintain the coaching programme on a rolling 1–3 month cycle, ensuring plans are responsive to immediate player development needs.
• Monitor and evaluate players across the phase in line with short-term objectives and session outcomes.
• Coordinate and lead weekly MDT meetings, recording key actions and ensuring timely follow-up on short-term priorities.
• Support the integration of U16 players into the PDP by facilitating appropriate training and playing opportunities within the monthly plan.
• Provide weekly updates to the PDP schedule and ensure operational information is communicated effectively across departments.
• Maintain accurate weekly attendance and activity records using EMS to support phase administration.

Decision Making:

• To implement and coach Individual Development Plans for all players across age groups U17-U18
• Lead the collection of opinions and feedback from multi-disciplinary staff on the selection for scholars by November of each season alongside the YDP lead and APG

• Competitive team selection for the U18s
• Take part in discussion and give rationale behind youth loan/work experience decisions for U17-U20 age groups through the APG

• To support and effectively monitor and evaluate the progression of players into the Development Group and 1^st Team squad
• Design and deliver a programme of guest speakers for the Scholar group that reinforce the Principles and Competencies at the Academy
• Support and deliver on the SEP education programme, liaising with the Head of Education and LFE to ensure that scholars are on track to achieve Distinction

• Support the daily operations of the phase by working closely with senior staff and the multi-disciplinary team to maintain consistent coaching and development standards.
• Monitor the use of HUDL across the phase and assist in ensuring relevant video content is accessible to coaches for session support and review.
• Reinforce expectations around professional behaviour and personal discipline among scholars, supporting them in meeting day-to-day standards.
• Assist in coordinating tasks across the phase by helping to allocate responsibilities to appropriate staff members.

• Provide prompt and up to date scheduling for the PDP to all staff. Utilise the MDT staff to manage changes to the schedule as and when they happen
• Support Development Group staff with regular player updates
• To support the progression of players transitioning into scholarship with other relevant members of staff. (Working closely with other Lead Phase Coaches)

• Work closely with the Head of Coaching and regularly feedback from training and matches on individual progress / performance
• Liaise with relevant PDP staff involved with the PDP to regularly review and update departments of team performance through weekly MDT meetings
• Ensure weekly schedule is available to all departments in advance through operations meetings

• Maintenance and suitable use and care of all company equipment

• Coach and manage the pathway (Training, Fixtures, Reviews, Development Plans, SEP and Feedback) for all players across the Academy age groups of U17-U18
• Manage multi-disciplinary staff that work alongside the scholar group to deliver the best possible programme on and off the pitch
• Engage with coaches across the Academy and offer support and guidance through observation, peer feedback and analysis
• To deliver and support delivery of Academy coaching sessions to a high standard. Including support of U15/16 players attempting to gain scholarship at least once per training week
• Liaise and operate with the U16 and U15 coaching staff on a weekly basis.
• Provide clear direction for multi-disciplinary staff working with players in the U17-U19 age groups.

• To accurately report and record multi-disciplinary information relating to all aspects of the phase (U17-U18) including players who ‘play up’ on the FIP
• Evaluation of player progress using internal auditing system and player depth charting (including trialists)
• Attend and contribute to club CPD events
• Complete other tasks for the benefit of the organisation when required
• Attend additional fixtures as required by the organisation