Purpose of the Role
Working closely with the Academy Manager, the Head of Coach Development, and all other key contacts, the post-holder will manage the logistical and operational delivery of the Youth Development Phase in line with the club’s Academy Philosophy and the Academy Performance Plan and take lead responsibility and EPPP are effectively delivered, measured, assessed, and achieved. The successful individual is highly driven, organised and yet is adaptable to the flexible and ever dynamic landscape of a professional football academy.
In addition, the role requires the candidate to be readily available to coach the players and teams within the phase as well as making key decisions around retain or release.
Key Contacts:
Internal - Academy Manager, Head of Coach Development, Multi-Disciplinary Team, Lead Phase Coaches, Head of Emerging Talent Recruitment Officer, Players, Parents.
External – Other Football League and Premier League clubs and staff, local FA, grass roots clubs, schools, partner organisation’s and the FAYCD.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Coaching
- Work with the Head of Coach Development to design and implement an age specific coaching curriculum in line with the academy playing and coaching philosophy ensuring the effective planning, delivery, and evaluation of every coaching session on the FIP KML for the phase, in accordance with EPPP.
- Support and motivate the part time coaches within the phase to deliver the coaching curriculum and academy philosophy and push high standards at alltimes.
- Work with the Head of Coach Development and age group coaches with the identification, co-ordination, and delivery of individual development plans for all players within the phase.
- Contribute to the building of a library of academy best practice sessions mirroring the philosophy.
- Work towards own Coach Development Action Plan (CDAP) agreed between you and the Head of Coach Development in line with the Coach Competency Framework (CCF)
Management, Communication and Organisation
- Lead on, coordinate, and manage the daily and weekly logistical operation and schedule of the phase i.e. deal with and arrange training, the venue(s), fixtures, and additional fixtures to meet player needs;
- Ensure all timesheets are completed for all part time age group coaches
- Manage the distribution and quality of kit and equipment; supporting match officials; communicate with players and parents, and any other related responsibilities associated.
- Work closely with the Academy Manager, Head of Coach Development, and other key staff to support your daily tasks and the multi-disciplinary development of every player in the phase across the 4 corners by developing, delivering, recording, and reviewing Individual Learning Plans.
- Communicate and agree with age group coaches on the selected squads and teams each week
- Be part of and contribute/report to the Academy Management Team as well as providing reports and attending any meetings as required by the Academy Manager and Head of Coach Development.
- Communicate and reinforce the academy playing and coaching philosophy to coaches, players, and parents.
- Be first point of contact for any queries from parents and manage expectations of both players and parents
Reporting/Reviews
- Work with the Head of Coach Development to take a multi-disciplinary approach to the review process by organising and conducting all player reviews required for the phase as well as planning, delivering, and reviewing all coaching sessions, games/game time, whilst maintaining and monitoring all data related to this including learning objectives, progress, and other work as required on the FIP KML system.
- To monitor & manage the FIP KML data entry of all coaches and players within the phase.
- Link player performance reviews to the learning outcomes of the academy coaching programme and effectively present these during player/parent review meetings (formal and informal) and as per club and EPPP guidelines.
- Work closely with the Head of Coach Development and other phase leads to contribute and report on performance, progression, ILP’s, transition between age groups, and multi-disciplinary reviews.
Recruitment & Other Key Responsibilities
- Drive the trialist process once it has been agreed a player is to enter on trial.
- Take an energetic, purposeful, and measurable approach to player recruitment.
- Manage and drive player signings and releases appropriately and professionally as well as presenting all retain/release information to the Academy manager and Academy Secretary as required and in line with EFL rules and deadlines.
- Continually challenge and look to enhance the academy environment through new and creative ideas.
- Support the culture and represent the club in the best possible light at all times.
- Attend and contribute (when required) to all CPD as instructed by the Head of Coach Development.
- Adheres to the club Code of Conduct at all times and understand and adheres to the Club’s safeguarding procedures.
- Carry out any other duties as directed by the Academy Manager and Head of Coach Development.
Important Information
The above-mentioned duties and responsibilities should be regarded as neither exclusive nor exhaustive as the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grading of the post, without changing the general character of the post.